Tabom Graffiti Project unveiled

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

It was all about creativity at its best as the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana unveiled the Tabom Graffiti and Street Art Project at Jamestown in Accra.

The projects, which are graffiti and artistic paintings on the walls of Brazil House at Jametown opened to the public with a photographic exhibition, depicting several graffiti works done by Brazilian artists, mainly in deprived areas of some large Brazilian images.

The Project is part of the Embassy’s commitment to recovering the history of the Tabom Community in Accra, as well as their contribution to the development of the city. 

Furthermore, the project was conceived with the intention of strengthening Brazil-Ghana cultural ties.  Street art and graffiti were the selected tools to facilitate this dialogue between Brazilian and Ghanaian artists.

Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Irene Vida Gala, said that through the various images,  one can see how art is used to foster interaction in poor communities in Brazil.  

Also, it shows the evolution and recognition of contemporary art as a means of expression, created mainly by the youth who are willing to break down barriers of prejudice and underdevelopment.

The objective of the project is also to bring art to the walls of the Brazil House dedicated to the Tabom community. This museum will incorporate the creation of the paintings through photographs and films, as well as interviews with members of the Tabom community.

Minister of Tourism, Akua Sena Dansua, said such art projects would help strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

“It means that the government and people of Brazil are interested in fostering the relationship between the two countries. They are telling Ghanaians that they mean well and are ready to attract more Brazilians to come visit and invest in the country.

Two well known Brazilian artists, Binho Ribeiro and Alexandre Keto, came to Accra last month to work with Ghanaian artists Ian Quhachi, Kwabena Danso, Mohammed Awudu, Kwabena Adjei, and Steven Zion.

They shared with the group their techniques and understanding regarding the importance of graffiti and street art in promoting development, particularly in poor neighbourhoods in Brazil as well as in Ghana.

Binho Ribeiro noted that a humane gesture does not solve problems but can make the local environment a little more cheerful and pleasant.

“When I was in Jamestown, the area of the Tabom community, people were watching me paint on the streets and I overheard something that made me proud and made this journey (to Ghana) very remarkable: ‘This is also Brazil, you’re at home!”