Ghanian-born artist Jojo Abot stays ever busy with plans to launch “Power to the God Within,” a pop-up exhibit located in a space on Canal Street in Manhattan. A preview of the exhibit reveals an inviting space with walls, cushions and pillows entirely covered in Ghanian fabrics. The walls are covered with Abot’s vibrant pieces and the storefront space is also equipped with a video screen and a meditation nook.
Produced in sponsorship with Wallplay (a business that matches empty storefronts with artists, brands, and programming), the exhibit is part of an ongoing effort to add a more artful edge to Canal Street.
Commenting on the space, Abot told Snobette, “It’s a very Western concept that art should just be observed, not touched and fully experienced. This space is all about the people: what they bring and what they can experience when they are here. I believe that art can and should be used to mobilize community, to foster change and collaboration if people are given the setting to congregate and connect.It is inspiring to see people fill up the space hear their thoughts and ideas, but also witness the private moments of quietness.”
In addition to the exhibit, Abot has plans for an appearance at the FERUS Festival on January 4, 2018, along with a music-related appearance at C’mon on Everybody in Brooklyn in February.
The “Power to the God Within” exhibit is located at 318 Canal Street and will be open from January 5-19.
Check out images from the exhibit below, all via Snobette.