Photo Credit: Ibrahim Mahama (The God of Small Things Installation at the Art Basel, 2026)

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama is making a strong statement at Art Basel 2026 with his new public installation, The God of Small Things. The work is on view at Münsterplatz, one of Basel’s most historic public squares, placing African contemporary art at the centre of one of the world’s biggest art events.

Rather than being shown inside a gallery or fair booth, the installation is part of the city’s public space. Thousands of visitors, collectors, artists, and residents will encounter the work during Art Basel week, creating a direct connection between African art and a global audience.

Mahama is known for using materials linked to labour, trade, and everyday life to tell stories about history, value, and society. Through large-scale installations, he encourages people to think about the systems that shape our world and the people often left out of those conversations.

His presence in Basel comes shortly after being named a Gold Award recipient at the inaugural Art Basel Awards. Beyond his international success, Mahama continues to invest in Ghana’s creative future through projects such as the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art and Red Clay Studio, which support artists, education, and cultural development.