The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is currently presenting One Must Be Seated, an acclaimed solo exhibition by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan. Opened on 13 November 2024, this groundbreaking exhibition runs until 5 October 2025 and delves into the cultural traditions of Ghana, particularly the symbolic practices of Asante chieftaincy.
Image credit: Dillon Marsh, courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA
The exhibition places a spotlight on the enstoolment ceremony, a significant ritual marking the appointment of a chief. Through a blend of traditional symbolism and contemporary artistry, Benissan reinterprets the iconic royal stool and umbrella, offering visitors a layered perspective on the cultural heritage of Ghana. Her multidisciplinary approach combines sculpture, photography, video, and textile work to create a deeply immersive experience.
Central to the exhibition is Benissan’s exploration of the royal umbrella, a longstanding emblem of authority in Asante tradition. Historically, this object has represented leadership, concealing the thoughts of its bearer while signifying their elevated status. Benissan collaborates with skilled artisans from Kumasi, Ghana’s Asante capital, to craft her pieces, blending traditional techniques with her own artistic innovations. Her work honours these artisans as co-creators, emphasising their crucial role in preserving Ghanaian heritage.
One standout piece, The Triumphant King Rules (Ɔhene a wɔdi Nkonim No Di Tumi) (2023), features a reinterpreted umbrella made with rich velvet and kente cloth, adorned with archival portraits of past chiefs. This fusion of historical imagery and contemporary textiles bridges past and present, celebrating the enduring relevance of cultural symbols.
The exhibition is designed to mirror the stages of an enstoolment ceremony, guiding visitors through symbolic spaces. Works like We Process at Sunrise (2024), a detailed tapestry depicting the palace at dusk, and We Give Power to You (2024), an umbrella piece rendered in green tones, lead the journey. The experience concludes with a striking golden throne, symbolising the culmination of leadership and legacy.
Rita Mawuena Benissan, born in Côte d’Ivoire and raised in the United States, is celebrated for her research-based practice that bridges history and contemporary art. Her works are part of prestigious collections globally and continue to resonate with audiences through their cultural depth and artistic innovation.
Rita Mawuena Benissan | Image credit: Lauren Theunissen
One Must Be Seated is part of Zeitz MOCAA’s ongoing series of solo exhibitions highlighting African and Diasporic artists. It is generously supported by Gucci, the Mellon Foundation, and BMW South Africa.
Image credits above: Dillon Marsh, courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA
Main image credit: Rita Mawuena Benissan, Detail of We Process at Sunrise, 2024. Embroidery on canvas, 250 x 500cm. Image: Nii Odzenma; Courtesy of the artist and Gallery 1957.
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