Eric Kwadwo Afranie exhibits works at National Theatre tonight

Collage and mosaic artist, Eric Kwadwo Afranie will stage an exhibition at the National Theatre in Accra tonight.

The exhibition, which is part of The Matriarch’s Verse Experience 2024 by Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, popularly known as Apiokor, will show some of the artist’s works that questions how waste is disposed of.

Afranie, who has exhibited at different events in Ghana and abroad, uses sustainable materials to create collage and mosaic artworks.

His pieces are made from upcycled materials such as stones, glass, plastics, recycled leather, metal, beads, wood, seashells, bones, used clothes (obroni waawu), African prints, lorry tyres, electronic waste and palm kernel shells.

“The kind of materials and themes I explore in my work makes it a delight for viewers. I challenge the continuous use of conventional art making materials by art practitioners,” he told The Mirror in an interview last Thursday.

Afranie, who described himself as an environmental artist, is committed to using his works in promoting environmental conservation.

With a career spanning over a decade, he has worked consistently to inspire others to see and appreciate the beauty and value in materials they discard every day.

“The innovative use of repurposed materials does not only breathe new life into discarded objects but also addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) on responsible consumption (UN SDG 12), climate action (UN SDG 13) and life on land (UN SDG 15),” he added.

Asked what inspired the choice of media for his artwork, he said studying Integrated Rural Art and Industry for his first degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology had an impact on the kind of art he does.

The theme for this year’s Matriarch’s Verse Experience is ‘Roots & Blossoms’.

“The Matriarch’s Verse Experience is more than a concert- it’s a gathering of souls to honour our heritage, confront our pain and celebrate the beauty of growth. There have been some tough times in Ghana, lately. Through poetry, we will explore the depths of our roots and let the possibilities of our future blossom! I invite you to join me on this journey as we find connection and resilience in every verse,” Apiorkor explained in a recent interview.

The ticketed event starts at 6 p.m.