A major international art publication has named Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama as the most influential figure in the contemporary art world for the year. This marks the first time an artist based in Africa has claimed the top position in the ranking’s 24-year history.
Mahama, known for large-scale installations using repurposed materials, expressed profound humility at the recognition. He noted the significance for artists from Ghana and the broader continent, stating it signals their central role in global artistic conversations rather than a peripheral one.
The annual list, compiled by a panel of international experts, signals a notable shift in the geography of artistic influence. This year’s top ten features a strong presence from Africa and the Middle East, alongside figures from Asia, Europe, and North America. The selection reflects a broader realignment of cultural and economic currents within the global art landscape.
Based in Tamale, in northern Ghana, Mahama’s practice extends beyond his studio. In recent years, he has gained prominence for ambitious projects, including enveloping the exterior of a major London arts centre in vast, hand-stitched fabric and creating immersive installations that explore colonial history and material legacy. He also founded a multidisciplinary arts centre in Tamale that serves as a hub for exhibition, research, and community engagement.
Analysts observe that Mahama’s recognition, alongside other highly ranked artists who run local initiatives, underscores a contemporary model of artistic influence—one that combines individual creative vision with institution-building and deep community involvement.