Monumental Ghanaian “Concert Party” Fragmentary Bifold Painting by Mark Anthony

Large bifold painting by Ghanaian artist, Mark Anthony, ca. mid-1980s.
Anthony’s style and imagery was shaped by a creative fusion of local and global popular culture, and his work depicted key scenes from modern morality plays performed by itinerant musicians and actors. Prior to the theatrical event, these paintings were hung to attract a potential audience to the “concert party.” Anthony was perhaps the most significant artist creating these “concert party” paintings.
In this example, we are confronted with the ‘good vs. evil’ morality theme. An angel wielding a spear is fending off a demon as he attempts to pull the subject away from the deities. The text representing the musician and album/performance being promoted “Jackson Volta and the Wailers – The Judgement Day” is boldly displayed in yellow on the top right. The bi-fold form of the work allows Anthony to manipulate visual perspective, enabling the viewer to experience these diverse images in a fragmentary way. The pictorial fragmentation underscores the shifting connections between local and global references which are part of the dynamic visual landscape in contemporary urban Ghanaian life.
From the personal collection of Dr. Michelle Gilbert, former professor of Anthropology at Trinity College, who, since 1976, had written written many articles based on her fieldwork studying art, religion and politics in an Akan Kingdom of Southern Ghana. In her catalog essay, “Hollywood Icons, Local Demons: Ghanaian Popular Paintings by Mark Anthony,” she focuses on the artist’s work, delving into themes and references in the pieces and their relevance on a global scale.
In 2000, Gilbert curated a gallery showing of Anthony’s paintings at the Gallery of Art of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This was the first time a group of these painting was shown in the United States. A pamphlet advertising this show will be included with the work.
The work is in good, vintage condition – subjects, font, and imagery are clear, though paint losses/moderate general wear, particularly around the central hinges, edges, and sides, are present.
Fully extended – H: 78″ x L: 96.38″ x D: 2″
Each segment is 48″ long