KINGSTON, RI – Feb. 18, 2025 – URI Department of Art and Art History hosts Out of Africa, a one-person exhibition by Ghanaian artist Munir D. Mohammed in the Green Hall lobby from January 21 through March 27, 2025.

Born and raised in Ghana, Mohammed graduated from Ghanatta College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree and became known for his work in portraiture. His subjects ranged from presidents, dignitaries, tribal kings and more. Due to the political atmosphere brought on by war, Mohommad left Ghana in 1981 and moved his studio to Sierra Leone. 

After coming to Rhode Island in 1988, Mohammed co-founded and supervised the International Gallery for Heritage and Culture in 1996, where he provided educational art programs for schools in the community. In 1999, he received his Masters of Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design, where he is still an active painter and participant in exhibits.

“His work reflects the culture and the people of Ghana, the culture and the people of Sierra Leone,” Gallery Director Steven Pennell said.

The exhibit displays much of Mohammed’s earlier work in acrylics and oil, which reflect his Ghanian background. It also hosts a collection of his recent works in drawings, mixed media and watercolor.

Included in this collection is his artwork featured in children’s book “Wherever I Go” by Mary Wagley Copp. The book follows a young girl in Africa who must travel to America due to the political nature of her country.

“It doesn’t say that she came to Rhode Island, but it’s evident if you look at the illustrations that they are Rhode Island based,” Pennell said. “So it’s very enlightening in terms of culture.”

Students gain new cultural perspectives from Mohammed’s work. By being given a visual that not only displays a different part of the world but presents a unique narrative, Out Of Africa is an immersive exhibit that allows its viewers to see themselves in its artwork, no matter their background.

Gallery Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday on the first floor of Green Hall. The Art and Art History Department will host a reception for the exhibit on March 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the first floor of Green Hall as well as an Artist Talk on March 20 at 11 a.m. in the Green Hall Great Room. For more information, call (401)286-4620 or contact spennell@uri.edu.

This article was written by Erin Malinn, class of 2028.