Memories of Yellow: A Game of Power & Chance by Jeremiah Quarshie
- Art Report Africa
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Jeremiah Quarshie's Memories of Yellow: A Game of Power & Chance, is currently showing at Gallery 1957 in Accra. Running from March 6th to April 26th, 2025, the exhibition uses the visual language of portraiture and the potent symbolism of the ubiquitous yellow gallon to explore themes of unpredictability, memory, power, and the everyday realities of Accra's water crisis.
Quarshie doesn't shy away from the weight of history. His art serves as a stark reminder that certain objects, like the "Kufour gallons," remain deeply embedded in the fabric of daily life, acting as constant reminders of persistent socio-economic challenges. The exhibition centers around striking portraits of Ghanaian women, individuals from diverse backgrounds, who are presented as both regal figures and embodiments of the burdens they carry. Seated upon thrones constructed from these very yellow gallons, they become powerful symbols of resilience and endurance.
This exhibition revisits and expands upon ideas first explored in Quarshie's 2016 show, "Yellow Is The Colour Of Water." The iconic yellow gallons, which took center stage in the earlier exhibition, are now re-examined through a lens of experience and reflection. It's a "time-travel" of sorts, allowing Quarshie to re-engage with the cultural significance of these objects and the stories of the women who navigate their world.
"Memories of Yellow" actively invites the audience to participate. The gallery space becomes an environment where visitors are challenged to confront the uncertainties of the water crisis, drawing parallels to games of chance like Ludo, where success is never guaranteed. The exhibition compels viewers to consider the role of power, chance, and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.
The opening of this exhibition also marks a significant milestone for Gallery 1957, its 9th anniversary. "Memories of Yellow" is a powerful affirmation of the gallery's continued commitment to showcasing contemporary African art and amplifying the voices of artists from the continent and its diaspora.
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