Absa L’Atelier Ambassador Edward Lawerh Dugbartey Unveils Solo Exhibition ‘The Things the Street Made Beautiful’ in Accra

Introduction

Absa Bank, a leading supporter of African visual arts, has announced the launch of ‘The Things the Street Made Beautiful’, a captivating solo exhibition by Edward Lawerh Dugbartey, the 2023 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador. Scheduled to open on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mix Design Hub in Accra, Ghana, this event highlights the raw beauty and resilience found in street life. As part of Absa’s esteemed Pan-African L’Atelier Ambassador Exhibition Series, the showcase spotlights emerging talents who capture the continent’s vibrant narratives.

This exhibition invites visitors to rethink marginalized lives through Dugbartey’s innovative artistry, blending unconventional materials to reveal profound human stories. For art enthusiasts searching for African art exhibitions in Accra or insights into Absa L’Atelier Ambassador projects, this is a must-see event that bridges everyday struggles with transcendent beauty.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: Opens November 14, 2025
• Venue: Mix Design Hub, Accra
• Artist: Edward Lawerh Dugbartey (2023 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador)
• Theme: Beauty in street life resilience and unpolished realities

Analysis

Edward Lawerh Dugbartey’s ‘The Things the Street Made Beautiful’ offers a pedagogical lens into the lives of young people on the streets, emphasizing their overlooked dignity and strength. The artist challenges viewers to look beyond surface perceptions, focusing on the unrefined yet authentic aspects of these existences. Dugbartey articulates this vision: “There is a kind of beauty the world does not see. It’s not the polished kind. It’s rough, loud, crooked, and real.”

Pedagogically, the exhibition teaches about visual storytelling in African contemporary art. Dugbartey employs materials like insecticide solution, oil paint, decal transfers, old photographs, and upholstery to symbolize transformation. Insecticide corrodes the canvas, mirroring how hardships reshape lives, while old images serve as memory anchors, connecting past neglect to present vitality. This material interplay demonstrates renewal, turning degradation into art that affirms every life’s worth.

Artistic Techniques and Symbolism

The use of unconventional fabrics and solutions in Dugbartey’s work exemplifies mixed-media innovation in street-inspired African art. Each piece balances defiance and tenderness, rejecting pity in favor of recognition. This approach educates on how art can humanize societal margins, fostering empathy through visual metaphors.

Curatorial Insights from Absa

Dr. Paul Bayliss, Absa Senior Specialist and Art Museum Curator, underscores the exhibition’s alignment with Absa L’Atelier’s mission: transforming survival materials into symbols of beauty. Mahmoud Brimah, Gallery Manager at Mix Design Hub, praises it as a reflection of urban Accra’s creative pulse, blending struggle, pride, and invention.

Summary

In summary, ‘The Things the Street Made Beautiful’ is a solo exhibition by 2023 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador Edward Lawerh Dugbartey, opening November 14, 2025, at Mix Design Hub in Accra. It celebrates the resilience of street youth through raw, transformative art, part of Absa’s 39th-year Pan-African series. Ghana boasts five winners since 2019, highlighting its rising art scene. The show reaffirms African art’s power to inspire and challenge perceptions.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To make the most of attending this Absa L’Atelier Ambassador solo exhibition, plan ahead. Mix Design Hub in Accra is accessible via major transport routes; check their website for exact directions and parking. Arrive early on opening day, November 14, 2025, to avoid crowds and engage with curators.

Visitor Preparation Tips

• Review Dugbartey’s artist statement online for deeper context on street art resilience themes.
• Wear comfortable shoes for potentially extended gallery walks.
• Bring a notebook to jot reflections, enhancing pedagogical engagement with the art.
• Follow venue guidelines on photography to respect artists’ rights.

Engaging with the Art

Approach pieces slowly, noting material textures. Discuss with fellow visitors how the works reflect broader African street life narratives, turning the visit into an interactive learning experience.

Points of Caution

While immersive, approach the exhibition mindfully. Themes of hardship may evoke strong emotions; reflect personally rather than project assumptions onto depicted lives. Adhere to Mix Design Hub rules—no touching artworks to preserve integrity.

Interpretive Cautions

• Avoid romanticizing poverty; focus on Dugbartey’s intent of dignity and defiance.
• Respect privacy; exhibitions like this amplify voices without exploiting subjects.
• Confirm event updates closer to date, as schedules can shift.

Comparison

Compared to prior Absa L’Atelier Ambassador exhibitions, Dugbartey’s stands out for its street-focused materiality. Ghana’s five winners since 2019—more than many nations—underscore its artistic prominence versus, say, South Africa’s foundational role since the program’s inception.

Vs. Previous Ghanaian Winners

This comparison illustrates Absa L’Atelier’s evolution, promoting Ghanaian contemporary artists globally.

Legal Implications

As with all art exhibitions, legal considerations include intellectual property rights. Edward Lawerh Dugbartey retains copyright over his works; unauthorized reproduction violates Ghanaian and international copyright laws under the Berne Convention. Visitors must obtain permission for photos or commercial use. Absa’s sponsorship ensures ethical promotion, with no reported disputes in L’Atelier history.

Conclusion

‘The Things the Street Made Beautiful’ exemplifies Absa L’Atelier’s commitment to African artists like Edward Lawerh Dugbartey, transforming street narratives into global dialogues. Opening November 14, 2025, at Mix Design Hub, it educates on resilience’s beauty, inviting all to witness Africa’s creative spirit. Absa’s platform continues championing stories that matter, fostering a richer cultural landscape.

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