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2022 - 2023
Baobab: The Tree of Life
Designed by Tijay mohammed
Baobab: The Tree of Life is inspired by a succulent tree that provides food, medication, and shelter for its surrounding communities. Designed by artist Tijay Mohammed, the piece includes a wood Baobab tree, Adinkra symbols, and African fabric designs, all of which will connect viewers to four hundred years of history from the African diaspora. Conceptually, Mohammed’s piece represents what it means to exist with an identity of your choice regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, gender, and ability.
Tijay says, “Symbolically, the piece pays tribute to our royal ancestors through the African Burial Ground and references Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a dream speech’ in 1963 in which he called for Freedom, civil and economic rights, and an end to racism in the United States.”
Baobab is now on view at Van Cortland Park adjacent to the Tennis Court.
The Mosaic of Baobab: Tree of Life includes eight Adinkra symbols originated in Ghana. These symbols are used as specific concept and ideas in Baobab while acting as decorations for the base of the tree.
“I am excited about this collaboration [with Beam Center], because it reminds me of home in Ghana and installed in a place, I call home for the past few years “the Bronx”, alongside the journey of my ancestors from home to home.”
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About the Artist, tijay mohammed
Tijay Mohammed is a Ghanaian-born artist who creates multimedia site-specific installations, collage, and paintings. Tijay has a keen interest in addressing issues that confront his community and humanity. His interactive art is inspired by “Sankofa,” a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol which means to “learn from the past for a prosperous future” and demonstrates a commitment to community, self-love, and appreciation. Tijay has exhibited his works nationally and internationally, including features at Katonah Museum of Art (NY), Hudson River Museum (NY), Materials for the Arts (NY), Art League Houston (TX), Longwood Art Gallery (NY), Gallery 1202 (CA), Green Drake Art Gallery (PA), and the National Museum of Ghana.
Baobab: Tree of Life is made possible through the generous support of The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.
Beam’s Project Production team began prototyping and fabricating the project in fall 2022 with the support of our Fellows, and installation took place in early spring 2023.
This project would not have been possible without the work of Beam’s Fellows: Sophia Lawrence, Summer Lee, Daniel Sanchez, Ralphson Mothé, Kimberly Siza, Katherine Chaca, Taemar Ellis, and Odin Robledo. Fellows assisted the Project Production Team of Sam Fisch, Stephen-Bernard Callender, Phillip Castillo, Brett Ricard, Polo Mora, and Devon Smith JR., with fabricating all parts of the project.