Exhibition Spotlight: Kojo Marfo explores identity and perception in beyond the visible

Curious characters, unexpected animal features and bold bursts of colour make up the imaginative world of Kojo Marfo. Look a little closer, however, and there is more to these paintings than first meets the eye. At FYND in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue, Beyond the Visible brings together a collection of works by the Ghanaian-born, London-based artist, exploring identity, human connection and the ways we see one another.

Presented by JD Malat Gallery in collaboration with FYND and curated by Ali Dioun, the exhibition invites visitors to look beyond immediate appearances. Marfo's distinctive compositions feature enigmatic figures, expressive faces and unexpected combinations of human and animal characteristics. 

Horses, flowers, and decorative motifs appear throughout his canvases, creating imaginative scenes that sit somewhere between the familiar and the surreal. Rather than offering a fixed narrative, each painting leaves room for personal interpretation.

“It has been a pleasure to develop this exhibition around Marfo’s distinctive visual world. His figures have a striking presence, yet their identities and stories remain unresolved. In bringing these works together, I wanted to preserve that openness while exploring how each painting could reveal something new in another. My architectural background informs how that dialogue unfolds within the space. For me, the exhibition becomes a living composition in which art and architecture converse together, rather than talk at each other.” Ali Dioun, architect, co-founder of FYND and curator of Beyond the Visible

Marfo's visual language is closely connected to his Ghanaian heritage, particularly the traditional Akan sculptures, carvings and ceremonial objects that influenced him growing up. These references inform what he describes as AfroGenesis, an artistic approach that brings together cultural heritage and experiences gathered throughout his life. 

Through exaggerated features, bold colours and unusual proportions, he explores the complexities of identity while questioning the boundaries that often define how we see one another. The exhibition also brings art and design into conversation. Marfo's paintings are presented alongside sculptural furniture by Contemporary Spaces, a UAE-based studio whose work draws on architecture and material. Together, the works create an interesting exchange between expressive painting and functional design.

Why go?

For an exhibition that encourages you to look twice. Marfo's paintings are full of intriguing details, cultural references, and characters that leave plenty of room for interpretation. The addition of sculptural furniture makes the presentation particularly interesting, bringing art and design together in one space.

Exhibition details

Gallery: FYND, in collaboration with JD Malat Gallery
Artist: Kojo Marfo
Dates: 5–30 November 2026
Location: FYND, Warehouse 64A, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Visit: Daily, 10am–7pm

Visit: www.jdmalat.com