MTN MTN RA
Artist
Ibrahim Mahama(Ghanaian, born 1987)Ghanaian, born 1987
CultureGhanaian
Titles
- MTN MTN RA
Date2017
MediumTarpaulin cloths, metal tags, and charcoal on jute sacking
Dimensions162 3/16 × 157 3/4 × 8 15/16 in. (412 × 400.7 × 22.7 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the Caroline Wiess Law Accessions Endowment
Object number2022.31
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
Modern and Contemporary ArtObject Type
Ibrahim Mahama is known for his embrace of found materials, including the tarpaulins that cover Ghana’s market stalls and the jute bags produced in Southeast Asia to transport cocoa. Recycled multiple times, each cloth bears the scars of the vast global transactions that pass through Ghana’s economy at every level. In Mahama’s hands these materials also reflect the larger history of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the possibility of renewal. The initials MTN refer to Ghana’s most popular high-speed internet server, while the small silver tags are markers of value.
ProvenanceThe artist; [White Cube, London]; purchased by the MFAH, 2022.
Exhibition HistoryAfro-Atlantic Histories. Houston: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, October 24, 2021–January 17, 2022.
Published References N.A. Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
The inscriptions are inherent in the found materials, including the work’s title MTN MTN RA, inscribed in charcoal on the jute fabric. Additionally, the jute has been stamped in ink: “V.O.T. / GHANA COCOA BOARD / PRODUCT OF GHANA”
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Catalogue raisonnéN.A.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
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2001
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Unknown Japanese
early 20th century
Wood, lacquer, gold powder, mother-of-pearl, wool, mica, steel, brass, silver, bone, feather, paper, ink, gilt, silvered and brocaded paper, silk wrapping cloths
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