Through the end of March, works from artist Munir Mohammed will be displayed on the first floor of Green Hall at the University of Rhode Island.
Originally from Ghana, Mohammed’s pieces provide a look into the culture of those who live there, while still maintaining relatability, according to gallery director Steven Pennell.
“It gives you a lot of insight into the culture in Ghana, portraits and landscapes, and people, just ordinary people, and then Sierra Leone as well,” Pennell said.
Mohammed started as a portrait painter and muralist in Ghana, where he became fairly well known, according to Pennell. There, he was able to paint princes, shahs and other important figures.
Mohammed then had to relocate to Sierra Leone when war broke out in Ghana, and then to Rhode Island when the same thing happened in Sierra Leone, according to Pennell.
Mohammed arrived in Rhode Island in the 1980’s and started working again, according to Pennell. Since coming to the United States, Mohammad has done portraits of musicians, Native Americans and other figures.
“That sense of culture really reads through his work,” Pennell said.
While Mohammed works primarily with oils, he also uses acrylics and watercolors for his work, according to Pennell. Aside from the gallery in Green Hall, 10 of Mohammed’s paintings are displayed in the URI President’s House.
One of Mohammed’s paintings displayed in the president’s house depicts two boys who are supposed to be studying. However, through Mohammed’s depiction of them and their expression, viewers can tell that they are having a conversation about something other than their assignment.
“It’s very insightful the way that he presents people and places with sensitivity,” Pennell said.
Paintings such as these provide wonderful insight into different cultures and how people can live, according to Pennell. Even if one’s story isn’t being told in the piece, onlookers are still able to relate and insert their own experiences and narratives.
Another piece Pennell notes is “Blind Beggars,” displayed in Green Hall.
“The surroundings in Ghana are very different; your clothing is very different, but we see this all the time if you drive downtown,” Pennell said. “There are so many places where you encounter this, and you understand their plight, and so that kind of speaks to me.”
Aside from his paintings, Mohammed has also worked on illustrating two children’s books, “Wherever I Go” and “Grannie’s Coal Pot.” Both of these books are displayed in Green Hall as well.
The exhibit has been well received by staff and students alike, according to Pennell.
“It sort of brings life into the hallway, and they’ve really tremendously appreciated it,” Pennell said.
Mohammed will be at URI on March 18 for a reception and will be speaking in Green Hall on March 20.
