Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama's rise to global prominence has sent shockwaves through the art world. His name now sits at the top of ArtReview magazine's prestigious annual power list, a recognition that comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed his meteoric ascent.
As one of Africa's most innovative and influential artists, Mahama has long been pushing boundaries with his use of found materials, from discarded textile remnants to abandoned hospital beds and train carriages. His practice is not just about creating art objects, but also about exploring the intersection of history, culture, and politics.
The Ghanaian artist's success is all the more remarkable given the relatively recent recognition that African artists were worthy of consideration in the global art world. Mahama himself says he was humbled to hear his name announced as the most influential figure in the art world when he first discovered ArtReview magazine in 2011, when Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei took the top spot.
Now at number one, Mahama's appointment reflects a seismic shift in the art world's perception of the African continent. The ranking is not just about individual artists; it also highlights the growing influence of curators, collectors, and institutions from across the region.
As Mark Rappolt, ArtReview's editor-in-chief, observes, "The seat of power is shifting." This shift is underscored by the diverse range of artists and curators featured in this year's top 10, including several prominent figures from the Middle East and Africa. At number two, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, chair of Qatar Museums, demonstrates the immense purchasing power that can shape the art market.
Mahama's own success story is a testament to his tireless dedication to his craft and his commitment to using his platform to amplify the voices of others. His Edinburgh show last year was hailed as "as extraordinary as a great magic-realist novel," with critics praising its reckoning with history's ghosts.
The Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, which Mahama opened in Tamale in 2019, is another testament to his vision and leadership. This 900 sq metre site combines exhibition space, library, residency space, archive, and studio – a hub that fosters collaboration and innovation between artists, curators, and communities.
As Rappolt notes, many of the top-ranking artists are not solo stars but rather individuals deeply embedded in their local communities. Mahama is no exception, working as part of a community that supports his practice and celebrates its diversity.
The ArtReview power list's annual compendium has been running for 24 years, compiled by 30 anonymous experts from around the world. This year's top spot marks a significant milestone for Mahama – one that underscores the growing recognition of African artists as leaders in the global art world.
As one of Africa's most innovative and influential artists, Mahama has long been pushing boundaries with his use of found materials, from discarded textile remnants to abandoned hospital beds and train carriages. His practice is not just about creating art objects, but also about exploring the intersection of history, culture, and politics.
The Ghanaian artist's success is all the more remarkable given the relatively recent recognition that African artists were worthy of consideration in the global art world. Mahama himself says he was humbled to hear his name announced as the most influential figure in the art world when he first discovered ArtReview magazine in 2011, when Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei took the top spot.
Now at number one, Mahama's appointment reflects a seismic shift in the art world's perception of the African continent. The ranking is not just about individual artists; it also highlights the growing influence of curators, collectors, and institutions from across the region.
As Mark Rappolt, ArtReview's editor-in-chief, observes, "The seat of power is shifting." This shift is underscored by the diverse range of artists and curators featured in this year's top 10, including several prominent figures from the Middle East and Africa. At number two, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, chair of Qatar Museums, demonstrates the immense purchasing power that can shape the art market.
Mahama's own success story is a testament to his tireless dedication to his craft and his commitment to using his platform to amplify the voices of others. His Edinburgh show last year was hailed as "as extraordinary as a great magic-realist novel," with critics praising its reckoning with history's ghosts.
The Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, which Mahama opened in Tamale in 2019, is another testament to his vision and leadership. This 900 sq metre site combines exhibition space, library, residency space, archive, and studio – a hub that fosters collaboration and innovation between artists, curators, and communities.
As Rappolt notes, many of the top-ranking artists are not solo stars but rather individuals deeply embedded in their local communities. Mahama is no exception, working as part of a community that supports his practice and celebrates its diversity.
The ArtReview power list's annual compendium has been running for 24 years, compiled by 30 anonymous experts from around the world. This year's top spot marks a significant milestone for Mahama – one that underscores the growing recognition of African artists as leaders in the global art world.
! His unique approach to using found materials and exploring history, culture, and politics is truly inspiring. I love how he's not just creating art for himself, but also amplifying the voices of others and pushing boundaries that benefit his community 
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! The fact that there are curators, collectors, and institutions from across the continent making waves in the global art scene is so exciting 
. Mahama's success story is a testament to his dedication to his craft and using his platform for good 
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! The fact that there are artists and curators from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond makes me feel like we're entering a new era of global art collaboration 
. Here's to more amazing stories of innovation and creativity from around the world 
. The Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art is literally a game-changer, what a hub for collaboration and innovation! I'm so inspired by Mahama's vision and leadership, it's like... we need more people like him in the world 
. Ibrahim Mahama's rise is not just a nice story, it's a reflection of how much the art world has evolved. It's like, African artists have been grinding for ages, making incredible work that challenges our perspectives and pushes boundaries.
. These rankings are not just about individual artists; they're about the cultural and economic shifts happening globally. And if we look at this year's top 10, it's clear that Africa is making its mark.
. And with Mahama at the top of this list, it's clear that the seat of power is shifting 
. It's amazing to see how Mahama is working closely with his local community to create something that celebrates diversity and fosters collaboration 
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, but i'm glad mahama is repping the continent hard. his use of found materials is fire 
. I'm hyped to see more diverse voices making waves, especially from the Middle East and Africa 
. Mahama's dedication to his craft and amplifying others' voices is truly inspiring 
i've been following ibrahim mahama's work since 2015 and it's been incredible to see him rise through the ranks he's not just an artist, he's a movement 
and now that he's number one on artreview's power list, it's clear that africa is finally getting the recognition it deserves 
this is just the beginning of something amazing, mark my words! 
. He's been pushing boundaries for years with his use of found materials and exploring history, culture, and politics in his work. It's not just about creating art objects but also about giving a voice to communities that need one 
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like what about all the other talented artists from africa who aren't getting the same recognition?
but what about all the other curators and collectors who are also making a difference?
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. I mean, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani at number two? That's some serious power 
️. Long time coming, but I'm just glad to see Africa gettin' its due recognition 
. This shift in the art world's perception is a game-changer! The fact that curators, collectors, and institutions from Africa are playing a bigger role is awesome to see 
. It just goes to show that the power is indeed shifting 
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I'm not surprised to see some Ghanaian dude on top of ArtReview's list 
...I mean, have you seen his Instagram? It's like he's trying out for a role in a Marvel movie 
. All this fuss about "intersection of history, culture, and politics" just sounds like someone trying too hard to be deep 
. And what's with all these African artists suddenly becoming influential? Were they just hiding under a rock or something? 
and i gotta say, its about time! africans have been killing it in the art game for ages, but we didn't get the recognition till now 
[link to ArtReview article](https://www.artreview.com/...)
also love how the art world is finally recognizin african artists as more than just a novelty 
– what a hub for collaboration and innovation! And it's great to hear that Mahama's work is being celebrated globally, not just within Africa. This shift in the art world's perception is so overdue