In the exhibition space at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest, visitors can admire colorful and vibrant wall objects crafted from tiny plastic elements. What makes these pieces special is that they are made from used and discarded flip-flops collected from the beaches along the coast of Ghana. Patrick Tagoe-Turkson creates his art by recycling plastic waste, drawing attention to the importance of environmental and cultural sustainability.
Patrick Tagoe-Turkson's works are complex and layered, inviting multiple perspectives for explaining. The vibrations and patterns that emerge from the elements resonate with Ghanaian designs and the structures found in traditional kentes. "I am particularly focused on the sustainability of cultural practices and traditions. For example, consider the art of kente, which is a beautiful representation of this. These traditional designs have been created for many years, maintaining the same patterns and forms over time". The elements are visually rich and dense, which symbolically draw attention to the complexity of our world, to the fact that the whole, the wholeness, is made up of small elements and fragments.
The artist emphasizes the importance of preserving, revitalizing, and keeping culture alive. He states, "Throughout history, artists have been among the most influential people in driving significant transformations around the world. As an artist, I stand for this purpose. We need to revisit what has been accomplished in the past. By integrating this knowledge with current happenings, we can envision the future. Understanding the past allows us to strengthen our future".
Tagoe-Turkson also believes that making his work aesthetically appealing is essential, but the most important thing is the energy of the work. "The work attracts people initially through its physical appeal but sustaining or deepen the viewers' interest requires a deeper connection to the spirit behind that work."
The artist emphasizes that, more importantly, these works preserve a variety of untold or unspeakable stories. He notes that the found pieces once had their own owners, who left personal marks on the slippers during their use. In many instances, the surfaces bear the owners' footprints; in others, small elements have been attached to the footwear to personalize them, and sometimes names have been engraved. Tagoe-Turkson preserves all these traces and makes them visible. Additionally, the stories of not only the users of the flip-flops are included in the work, but also those of the individuals who assisted the artist in collecting these pieces. "These individuals have faced numerous difficulties and traumas. There are homeless people, those living in poverty, drug users, and immigrants, all of whom share their stories with me while they assist with the collection. I then symbolically connect them to the pieces I create. If my works could speak, they would likely tell stories that reflect struggles we might find hard to endure."
For Tagoe-Turkson, the process of creation itself is of paramount importance, the finished work can actually be seen as a documentation of the process. In addition to collecting waste, preserving stories and culture, connecting with people, and building community are also part of the work. "The greatest fulfillment comes from working with materials in the studio. The ideas that arise from interactions with people, the creativity sparked at the beach, and all those experiences are what matter most to me. This connection is the sweetest part of my work. I focus on my own joy and the joy I bring to others, as well as the positive changes I create through my art."
His work can be viewed as a form of environmental activism, as he focuses on cleaning up Ghanaian beaches by collecting abandoned flip-flops. Approximately 1.1 million tons of plastic waste wash onto Ghanaian shores each year, and only 5% of that is recycled. He explains that the collected materials are not very appealing for the first gaze because they are dirty and in poor condition. First, they need to be cleaned, then cut into pieces, and sorted by color and shape. "As a traditional flag artist, I believe that spiritual attains to should be handmade in order for it to process its full potency. You need to do with the hand. And the more you do with the hand, you create some connection with the material. So we work with our hands throughout, I don't use any machine. The material itself possesses its own energy because it is not something you bought from the market. These are objects that have been used by people and anything that have had contact with someone process on form of energy. So it's like you are in conversation with all these energies, different people, because each flip flop is different on its own"
Once the preparation is complete, the artist begins the work, describing the process as similar to assembling a puzzle, involving close communication with each piece. The format develops intuitively; sometimes a square shape dominates, while at other times the lower edges become fragmented. Additionally, Tagoe-Turkson creates monumental modular works, where the individual pieces are connected with zippers. This design not only facilitates easier transportation but also allows the artworks to be adapted to specific spaces.
The exhibition currently on display at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest features a selection of artwork by the artist Patrick Tagoe-Turkson, which includes wall objects made from the soles of flip-flops. In addition, Tagoe-Turkson also creates works from the laces of slippers. The diverse materials he uses inspire his creativity, allowing him to explore various mediums and genres, from traditional clothing to large, ephemeral land art installations.
Photo credit: NyÃri Julianna / Hungarian University of Fine Arts
Patrick Tagoe-Turkson: Rewoven Patterns Opening: 8th April. 18:00 Location: Hungarian University of Fine Arts, Aula (1062. Budapest, Andrássy út 69-71.) On view 8 – 19. April, 2025; Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Related Posts
