Gideon Appah - Beyond the Shadows: Gideon Appah Poetic Vision: 5-7 Rue Bailly, 75003, Paris, France

This exhibition is accompanied by a curatorial essay written by Kimberly Drew.

A leading contemporary artist of his generation, Gideon Appah is a poetic painter, and this new series of large-format paintings, presented by Gallery 1957 for the Ghanaian-born artist’s Parisian debut, is a vivid testament to that. This exhibition marks not only Appah’s first major showcase in Paris but also Gallery 1957’s inaugural project in continental Europe, reinforcing its long-standing collaboration with the artist.

Founded in 2016 by Marwan Zakhem, Gallery 1957 dedicates its programme to spearheading international exchanges between art practices, with spaces across Accra, Ghana, and London, UK. Introducing a new chapter for Gallery 1957, this exhibition aligns with Paris Fashion Week Homme and leads up to Art Basel Basel, reflecting the gallery’s continued engagement with the international art market.

The works presented in the exhibition are immersed in nostalgic, bucolic views of imaginary beaches, where Appah invites the viewer to sit for a déjeuner under the extended shade of surfboards. The semi-naked characters are depicted in a fantastic, painted time-space, hovering like athletes—balanced in a delicate act, where equilibrium itself becomes art.Appah’s visual elements converse with the form and circularity of form: circular targets standing tall, poised to be pierced by a shot arrow, and the semi-circles of waves broken by the plunge of a diver.

Event Schedule

Thursday June 12
12h30-14h30: Press Preview
18h00: Public Opening

Friday June 13
11h00-12h00: Gideon Appah in conversation with Nicolas Trembley