‘Notes on Friendship II: Parallel Play’ Unites 25 Kenyan and Ghanaian Artists at SCCA Tamale
The exhibition ‘Notes on Friendship II: Parallel Play’ is now on view at SCCA Tamale, showcasing the works of 25 artists from Ghana and Kenya. This event highlights how these artists, separated by geography and age, tackle similar themes without having met beforehand. It builds upon the relationship between SCCA Tamale and the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute, featuring pieces from NCAI’s collection alongside contemporary works from both countries. Curated by Don Handa from NCAI and Selom Kudjie of SCCA Tamale, the show focuses on themes like identity and memory through the idea of “parallel play.” Artists like Owusu Ankomah and Ashanti Githinji are among the featured talents, and the exhibition runs until 28 February 2027.
Key facts
- ‘Notes on Friendship II: Parallel Play’ brings together 25 artists from Kenya and Ghana
- The exhibition opens at SCCA Tamale and runs until 28 February 2027
- It continues an exchange between SCCA Tamale and the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
- Works from NCAI’s permanent collection are shown alongside contemporary practices from Nairobi and Ghana
- The show is curated by NCAI curator Don Handa with SCCA Tamale Artistic Director Selom Kudjie
- Participating artists include Owusu Ankomah, Akwasi Bediako Afrane, Ashanti Githinji, Kivuthi Mbuno, Paul Onditi, Mika Obanda, Tabitha Wa Thuku and Sandra Wauye
- The concept of “parallel play” frames how artists develop independently while addressing shared concerns
- Themes include identity, place, memory, politics and contemporary life
Entities
Artists
- Owusu Ankomah
- Akwasi Bediako Afrane
- Ashanti Githinji
- Kivuthi Mbuno
- Paul Onditi
- Mika Obanda
- Tabitha Wa Thuku
- Sandra Wauye
- Don Handa
- Selom Kudjie
Institutions
- SCCA Tamale
- Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art
- Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
- NCAI
Locations
- Kenya
- Ghana
- East Africa
- West Africa
- Nairobi
- Tamale