Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama received the prestigious inaugural Sam Gilliam Award, a significant accolade bestowed upon him by the Dia Art Foundation in New York.
The announcement, marking a momentous occasion in the art world, reverberates with Mahama’s groundbreaking contributions, also earning him a handsome reward of $75,000 alongside a slated public program at one of Dia’s venues this fall.
Established last year by the late artist’s foundation, in conjunction with his widow Annie Gawlak, who presides over the foundation, the Sam Gilliam Award is currently set to become an annual tradition for the next decade. It aims to recognize artists worldwide who have made substantial strides in any medium, promising transformative impact, as outlined in an official release.
This esteemed recognition pays homage to the legacy of Sam Gilliam, an artist of unparalleled influence. Gilliam’s innovative approach, dating back to the 1960s, chiefly saw him liberate canvases from their confines, hanging his abstract works in a manner that defied convention. His artistic vision, which sadly concluded with his passing in 2022 at the age of 88, continues to resonate profoundly within the art community, further cementing his status as a luminary of the latter part of the 20th century.
In recent years, Gilliam’s oeuvre has experienced a resurgence within institutional circles, notably with Dia’s acquisition as well as the display of his seminal works at its Beacon location from 2019 to 2022. This culminated in the joint acquisition of “Double Merge” (1968), a masterpiece, by Dia and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for their permanent collections.
Annie Gawlak remarked, “Sam’s dedication to nurturing emerging artists was pivotal to his ethos, and perpetuating his legacy by championing rising talents is an honour we cherish. Dia’s commitment to advancing Sam’s vision makes them an ideal partner.”
Ibrahim Mahama, celebrated for his monumental installations crafted from repurposed jute sacks, emerged as the deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Notable for his transformative artworks exhibited, among others, at the 2015 Venice Biennale, Mahama’s practice also extends beyond individual creativity to communal collaboration.
His utilization of locally sourced materials and reinvestment of proceeds back into his native Tamale, Ghana, likewise shows his commitment to community empowerment.
Expressing gratitude for the influence of mentor Kąrî’kạchä Seid’ou and Gilliam’s work on his artistic journey, Mahama emphasized the importance of communal sharing and empowerment in his statement.
A distinguished panel, including Dia curator Jordan Carter, Emiliano Valdés of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín, Zoé Whitley of the Chisenhale Gallery in London, and also Courtney J Martin, director of the Rauschenberg Foundation, selected Mahama for his expansive artistic growth and impactful community-oriented practice.
Dia director Jessica Morgan lauded Mahama’s commitment to collaboration and community revitalization, underscoring the dual significance of his practice in receiving the award.
In 2023, the Dia Art Foundation introduced the prestigious Sam Gilliam Award, an annual honour celebrating artists worldwide who have made transformative contributions to the art world. Mahama’s triumph altogether underscores the transformative power of art in fostering community engagement and societal change, resonating deeply with Gilliam’s enduring legacy of artistic innovation and social impact.
