Arts, like any other profession in our world of existence, cannot operate and be sustained in the absence of talent, creativity, determination and vision.
The world of arts requires a sober and deeper commitment in order to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances in this 21st century, which is best described as a century of science and technological advancement.
Mama Africa Art Gallery, located on the main junction of Brusubi, two junctions away right into Brufut village, was built and owned by Isha Fofana, an internationally renowned Gambian female artist. Isha Fofana is in the Gambia responding to the clarion calls by the Gambian leader Professor Jammeh for Gambians in the Diaspora to invest back home. She has been residing in German for the past couple of decades, where she manifested her spirited artistic talent and held countless number of exhibitions, as well as in other parts of Europe and beyond. She earned the name Mama Africa in German where she opened an art gallery called Mama Africa.
Isha Fofana is a professional painter and sculptor, who hesitates not, to paint whatever comes her way either on contract or for domestic use. Isha Fofana is set to attend an international arts exhibition in German. The exhibition is expected to commence from 20th January to 23rd April 2009. It is organized by the International Association of Arts of which she is a member. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Streets connecting cultures’, to be held at the Press Office of German Government in Bonn. She is representing the Gambia and the sub-region of West Africa at this prestigious arts exhibition.
The Gambian female artist is also expected to exhibit her work on the acclaimed public TV station, WDR in Cologne, German. The theme of this exhibition is centred on ‘Ntaling Ntaling’ from 26th January to 27th March 2009. The pictures she is expected to exhibit at the public TV will feature the life of African women, especially Gambian women.
“I am proud of being a Gambian. I want to contribute my quota towards the development of the Gambia, Africa and humanity at large. I am back to do exactly that as demanded by the Gambian leader, Professor Jammeh, for Gambians in the Diaspora to invest back home for collective and sustainable development of the country,” said Isha Fofana in a recent chat with the Arts and Culture. She spoke at length on the importance of arts and culture and her determination towards development of the country, especially arts and culture and other creative industries.
Isha Fofana seized the opportunity to congratulate President Jammeh on his receipt of the professorship award and for creating conducive environment in all aspects of the country’s development drives.