“Resonance” marks the first solo exhibition by Isaac Ako Sowa, an artist whose works draw deeply on cultural and historical narratives. The exhibition will present a collection inspired by the powerful and symbolic lecture delivered by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, on the 19th of July earlier this year at the British Museum. This address held profound historical significance, as it touched upon the complex legacy of Ashanti artefacts housed at the British Museum—objects that are not merely relics but embodiments of the Ashanti Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and sovereignty.
For centuries, these artefacts, many of which were taken during periods of conflict and colonial expansion, have been symbols of the resilience and enduring legacy of the Ashanti people. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s speech served as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the repatriation and custodial care of these treasures. His call for a shared understanding of their value and origins highlighted the role of these artefacts as bridges between the past and the present, as well as between cultures.
Sowa’s work in “Resonance” will honour this message, celebrating not only the preservation of these artefacts at the British Museum but also the conversations they continue to spark about identity, history, and the stewardship of cultural heritage. Through this exhibition, audiences will be invited to reflect on the legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom and the ongoing importance of preserving its stories and symbols for future generations.
This landmark exhibition will be held online from the 12th of December, 2024 to the 19th of January, 2025. Previously scheduled from the 17th of February to the 13th of April, 2025.
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