Description
Daniel Effah and collaborator Sham Ahmed produced Blend If, a body of work that brings forward issues concerning contemporary African communities in Ottawa and Toronto. This artwork is part of a broader series of photographs that highlights the realities faced by holding onto one’s identity while effectively trying to embrace another. In doing so, the artist states, “…we often put on masks that are seen as a way to classify us but at the same time, amplify our differences.” Effah’s art practice brings forward questions about cultural assimilation by asking how the act of taking off one’s mask, losing one’s accent, or shedding one’s skin affects an individual’s cultural identity or honours their roots. This series has been exhibited as part of Condition of Autonomy at Ottawa Art Gallery, and Sawubona Project at Daniels Spectrum (Toronto). Daniel Effah is a Ghanian visual artist and photographer based in Ottawa who is interested in contributing to conversations relating to African diaspora. Effah is a graduate of the Architectural Technology program at Algonquin College (Ottawa) and is in the process of obtaining a degree in the History and Theory of Architecture at Carleton University (Ottawa). This is the first artwork by Daniel Effah to be included in the City of Ottawa Art Collection.