Michael Gah

Electronic Press Kit

get to know Michael

Michael Gah's journey into the art world is deeply intertwined with his early experiences in Accra, Ghana, where he was born in 1995. Witnessing the stark environmental impact of textile pollution firsthand, Michael was compelled to act. Growing up just a stone's throw from a beach, he observed the tangible consequences of consumerism: textiles encroaching upon natural sands, a visual testament to the crisis. This proximity to environmental degradation ignited a resolve within Michael, shaping his artistic mission.

From a young age, Michael honed his artistic skills, learning from local artists and navigating the vibrant streets of Accra to share his work. His craft was not just a means of expression but a hustle driven by a vision. Drawing from his childhood experiences of creatively repurposing textiles under his mother's guidance, Michael found a unique voice in the art world. His ability to transform discarded clothing into profound art pieces was not just innovative; it was a call to action.

Michael's artwork is a vivid dialogue with the world, encapsulating his dreams and concerns. Each piece is a narrative of transformation, from observing the impacts of waste to pioneering sustainable art practices. His art does not merely occupy space; it challenges the viewer to reconsider their relationship with consumption and waste.

In an industry often characterized by competition and conformity, Michael remains a beacon of authenticity and purpose. His studio, resonant with the sounds of his Ghanaian heritage, is a sanctuary where creativity and environmental consciousness coalesce. Having sold over 60 pieces, Michael transcends the role of an artist; he is a catalyst for change, encouraging a collective reimagining of beauty and value in the remnants of a consumerist society.

Past Experience

• mmARTHouse Gallery, 2021
• Intra Africa Art Fair, 2021
  
• RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR, Christopher Moller Gallery,
• Johannesburg, South Africa - Group Exhibition.
• INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR, Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.Group Exhibition.
• BEAUTIFUL CREATION, Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town (January) - Solo exhibition. 2022
• AUTUMN IS FRESH, Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town, (June) – Group exhibition.
• INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR, Christopher Moller Gallery (February) – Group exhibition. 2021
• Cape Town, GHANA IN SA, curated by Lungo Morrison & Mawusi Wewobe, Johannesburg, South Africa - Group Exhibition
• HFAS16 2024
• Residence Cheri(e) Paris France
• Ghana Group Show - upcoming, 2024
• Private Collector Exhibition, Paris 2024
• Private Collector Group Show, 2024
• PAD London, October 2024
• Curated Exhibition, Secret Gallery Paris 2025
• Centennial Joshephine Baker, 2025
• Musee de L’homme, Paris Feb - July 2025

Through my art, I aim to highlight the environmental and social repercussions of fast fashion, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices. Each piece tells a story, not just of the environmental impact but also of the human element – the women, couples, and families whose lives are intertwined with this global issue.

As an artist deeply invested in both creativity and sustainability, I've found a profound connection with textiles as a medium for expressing my artistic vision because I believe my art should work toward solving problems. The diverse hues and textures of fabrics offer a versatile canvas for my exploration, allowing me to weave my ideas into tangible forms while reducing the text pollution on the beaches and landfields of Accra.

My art is a personal narrative, rooted in my life experiences. Through textiles, I convey my emotions and viewpoints, often drawing from the organic shapes and patterns of the natural world for inspiration. My work is not just an artistic expression but also a dialogue about the role of African artists in challenging the traditional boundaries of contemporary art. I see fabric and collage, traditionally perceived as crafts, as powerful tools for artistic revolution.

Central to my ethos is the commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly addressing the pressing issues in Ghana where textile waste significantly contributes to ocean pollution. Many of my pieces are born from the reclamation of discarded garments and textile scraps, transforming waste into works of art. This practice not only reduces environmental impact but also emphasizes the beauty and potential in repurposed materials.

My creations are a harmonious blend of natural motifs and contemporary flair, embodying both the enduring and the evolving aspects of art. Through my work, I aspire to challenge perceptions, inviting viewers to adopt new perspectives on art and its capacity to influence the world. By integrating environmental concerns into my textile art, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for sustainable practices and the profound impact of art in fostering ecological consciousness.

Address: 175 rue des Pyrenees

75020 Paris FR

Email: info@artgence.co

Phone: +33(0) 7 69 45 99 90