A contemporary Ghanaian photographer exploring the essence of fashion in our lives, Mel Arthur held an exhibition he called “Nyɜ Kɛ Wɔ”, as his debut photography exhibition as a solo artist.
In “Nyɜ Kɛ Wɔ” which means ‘yesterday’ and ‘tomorrow’ in his native tongue ‘Ga’, he juxtaposes the relationship between the ’90s, 2000’s fashion trends and today’s era.
Taking inspiration from the women in his family who raised him, the exhibition showcases his speciality as an artist who documents youth culture and the themes that influence it.
Growing up and watching these women dress-up to various social events had a lasting impression on him as an artist. He used the medium of photography to recreate some of their iconic looks which gives a sense of nostalgia to the observer.
“My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were the people I looked up to while growing up and their style fascinated my young mind a lot. Interestingly, I borrowed their clothes to construct the new identities you’ll be seeing” Mel said.
Other major influences include the late Suzzy Williams, a “Marilyn Monroe-sque” Ghanaian actress who was not afraid to express herself through fashion, sultry and sassy Mzbel and other male pop-stars.
He captures today’s fashion which is heavily influenced by 2-Pac, P-Diddy and ‘Returnee’ uncles from Hamburg and the Bronx who wore baggy clothing, knock-off jewellery and beanie hats with swag and panache.
“Basically the whole exhibition is to highlight the old fashion trends of our parents and how we, as a new generation, are carrying on the baton unknowingly. Our style is more accessorized to meet modern tastes but the foundation of our aesthetics is borrowed heavily from the adults in our life. In short, we are our parent’s children” he points out.
The exhibition started from the 23 of August 2019 with Live music and wine, to 30th August 2019.
Follow the young artist on Instagram: @MelArthurPhotog
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