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Celebrating the underdog, the misunderstood, the awkward, and the absurd since October 2020
We Are Your Sacrificial Lamb That Just Won’t Die
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Deadly Prey Gallery is a Chicago-based traveling art gallery working with 10 artists in and around Accra, Ghana.
Deadly Prey is dedicated to the preservation of hand-painted Ghanian movie posters, with the central focus being supporting the incredible artists currently painting them.
This exhibition features a selection of both original paintings and affordably-priced prints from each of the various artists that they work with in Ghana.
Ghanian Mobile Cinemas
Mobile cinemas in Ghana were essentially traveling movie shows. Operators, often equipped with a generator, a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder), a television or later, projectors, and speakers, would move from town to town, or within neighborhoods in larger cities, setting up temporary outdoor cinemas. This was a period when access to television and VCRs was limited in many parts of Ghana, and these mobile cinemas provided a way for people to experience films, particularly in areas without fixed cinema theaters. These mobile cinemas and their hand-painted movie posters are a fascinating part of Ghana's cultural history, particularly prominent in the 1980s and 1990s. This phenomenon arose in a unique socio-economic and technological context, blending the need for accessible entertainment with the vibrant artistic tradition of the region.
The selection of films varied widely, encompassing Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood hits, Hong Kong martial arts movies, and locally produced films. These screenings not only offered entertainment but also became social events, bringing communities together.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
The hand-painted movie posters of Ghana have gained international attention for their artistic value and unique cultural expression. They represent a blend of traditional Ghanaian artistic styles with the influence of global cinema. The creativity and skill of these artists have been celebrated in art exhibitions around the world, turning what was once a practical advertising tool into a collectible form of contemporary art.
Decline and Legacy
With advances in technology, the proliferation of digital printing, and the wider availability of television and internet services, the demand for mobile cinemas and their hand-painted posters has declined. However, the posters that remain have become highly prized by collectors and are recognized as an important part of Ghana's cultural heritage and the global history of cinema.
The legacy of this movement continues to inspire contemporary artists and filmmakers in Ghana and beyond, reminding us of a time when cinema was a traveling spectacle, and art played a crucial role in bringing stories to life.
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