Press Release 10.11.24
Announcing the 2024 El Anatsui Africa-based Fellowship Residency at Brandywine Workshop and Archives
Philadelphia, PA — October 11, 2024 — Brandywine Workshop and Archives proudly announces the selection of two distinguished artists, Lebogang Mabusela from Pretoria, South Africa, and Alhassan Issah from Kumasi, Ghana, for the prestigious 2024 El Anatsui Africa-Based Fellowship Residency. Selected by a distinguished panel composed of artists, art historians, scholars and curators based in Africa and the United States, this prominent residency, generously supported by the El Anatsui Endowment Fund at Brandywine Workshop and Archives, will take place throughout October 2024 at Brandywine’s headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After receiving the Brandywine Workshop and Archives’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, El Anatsui (acclaimed as one of the world’s leading contemporary artists), made a commitment to donate art to be sold by Brandywine to support a new, ongoing program providing residencies in printmaking for artists living and conducting their studio practice in Africa. This unprecedented and impactful initiative, the El Anatsui Fellowships for Africa-Based Artists, honors and solidifies Anatsui’s legacy as a mentor, supporter, and advocate for under-resourced artists while further realizing his commitment to sharing his dynamic success with the next generation.
This fully funded artist residency is dedicated to advancing the careers of African artists by providing them with a transformative month-long experience. During the residency, Mabusela and Issah will collaborate closely with master printers at Brandywine to produce a minimum of two editioned prints that showcase their innovative approaches to printmaking.
Alhassan Issah, acclaimed for his multidisciplinary artistic practice rooted in Kumasi, Ghana, has been recognized for his bold exploration of material environments and their relationship with communal engagement. His work challenges artistic conventions and redefines the boundaries of gallery space thus inviting viewers into profound dialogues with their surroundings.
Lebogang Mabusela, a versatile artist based in Pretoria, South Africa, specializes in printmaking and is celebrated for her incisive critique of societal norms through mediums like monotype prints. Her innovative spirit and commitment to challenging gender norms and racial stereotypes aligns closely with Brandywine’s mission of supporting underrepresented artists.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lebogang Mabusela and Alhassan Issah to Brandywine Workshop and Archives for the 2024 El Anatsui Africa-Based Fellowship Residency,” said Michele Parchment, Executive Director of Brandywine. “Their selection reflects their exceptional talent and dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. This residency will not only provide them with invaluable resources and mentorship but also connect them with a global community of artists and art professionals.”
Throughout their residency, Mabusela and Issah will engage in Brandywine’s ArtistNConversation series, visit prominent art institutions and artists’ studios in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., where they will interact with artists, curators and art administrators to foster cultural exchanges and community engagement.
The El Anatsui Africa-based Fellowships Residency at Brandywine Workshop and Archives exemplifies Brandywine’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and global artistic exchange. By supporting artists from across the African continent, Brandywine continues to expand the boundaries of printmaking and promote inclusive cultural dialogue.
For more information about the El Anatsui Africa-based Fellowship Residency and Brandywine Workshop and Archives, please visit https://brandywineworkshopandarchives.org.
Brandywine Workshop and Archives
Founded in 1972, Brandywine Workshop and Archives is a nonprofit visual arts organization located in Philadelphia, PA. Through artist residencies, programs, and initiatives, Brandywine supports artistic excellence and education, both locally and globally, by fostering creative expression through collaboration and processes that employ traditional and innovative printmaking techniques.
Information
730 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
267.831.2928
prints@brandywineworkshop.com
BWA Board of Directors
Jean Woodley, Chairperson
Carolyn Lowe, Esq., Co-chairperson
Josette Bailey, Secretary
Jeffrey Cruse, Treasurer
Jude Arijaje
Ted Agoos, AIA
Walter E. Allen
Barbara Bassett
Shelly Langdale
Neil Osborn, Esq.
Keon Parsons
Patricia Smith
Nakia Thomas, Esq.
Halima Taha, Ph.D.
To read more about the El Anatsui Fellowships for Africa-Based Artists: