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Ibrahim Mahama’s latest masterpiece, “Purple Hibiscus,” has completely metamorphosed the Lakeside Terrace at the Barbican in London. It envelops the building’s brutalist concrete walls with approximately 2000 square meters of meticulously woven cloth.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” Barbican, London. Image Copyright Dion Barrett
This extraordinary piece of art, created in collaboration with hundreds of craftspeople from Tamale in Ghana, features colossal panels of pink and purple fabric woven and sewn by hand to adorn the building’s brutalist architecture.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” Barbican, London. Image Copyright Barbican
What sets “Purple Hibiscus” apart is the addition of 100 ‘batakaris’—robes worn by Ghanaian kings—intricately embroidered onto the artwork. These precious textiles, often passed down through generations, bear the imprints of the figures they once adorned, symbolising the enduring significance of intergenerational knowledge.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” Barbican, London. Image Copyright Barbican
Ibrahim Mahama’s immense fascination with the life cycles of textiles and the historical memories embedded within them is unmistakable in this remarkable artwork.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” Barbican, London. Image Copyright Dion Barrett
“Purple Hibiscus” is a compelling testament to the stories and wisdom encapsulated within these culturally rich textiles.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” Barbican, London. Image Copyright Dion Barrett
The Barbican team had the opportunity to interview artist Ibrahim Mahama about their recent commission, “Purple Hibiscus,” Watch the interview here.
Ibrahim Mahama “Purple Hibiscus,” at the Barbican, London. Wed 10 Apr—Sun 18 Aug 2024,
