In his monumental installations, the Ghanaian conceptual artist explores the historical and contemporary entanglements of industrialisation and colonialism, the extraction and transportation of raw materials, and the global trade routes of our time.

Mahama works across a variety of forms. In 2017, for documenta 14, he wrapped the historic gatehouse of the Hessisches Landesmuseum in a patchwork of sewn-together jute sacks that had previously been used to transport various products from Ghana. In 2019, he founded the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art in his home city of Tamale, run by artists. Building on this, he opened the Red Clay Studios at two further locations in northern Ghana. These facilities include exhibition spaces, research facilities and accommodation for artists. Ibrahim Mahama wishes thereby to contribute to fostering the development and expansion of the contemporary art scene in Ghana, whilst also offering permanent educational programmes for children and young people.

The Arnold Bode Prize of the City of Kassel has been awarded since 1980 to artists in recognition of their outstanding contributions to contemporary art and carries a prize of €10,000.