Anna Isatou-Bah, an Art27 member, has vowed to revive a lost art in The Gambia – lino and wood carving or relief printing.
This traditional art, introduced by the British in 1860, faded away due to costly materials and lack of support.
The only remnants are in batik fabric printing, but artistic paper printing is now quite rare. The costs of materials like wooden carving blocks, lino cutting mats and special relief inks made it tough for artists to keep this traditional art alive.
However, it seems restoration hovers over the horizon. The Art27 Artist Group aims to teach, support and empower young artists like Anna to become independent with stable income.
Anna’s determination led her to train with UK professionals. She now thrives with Art27’s backing. Working closely with Ferenc Donderer (Founder of ART27 Group), Anna’s hard work seems to be paying off, as she is set to showcase her lino cuts in an exhibition by end of 2026.
With Anna leading the carving section of the Art27, the future looks bright for this art in the process of restoration once again.
“Our search for the last group of lino cutters in Kafountin, Senegal, led to a dead end. The group had disbanded, and the equipment was left to gather dust in a small hut,” she said.
Ferenc Donderer, founder of ART27 – Visual Arts Promotion, is set to bring a game-changer to The Gambia’s art scene. He is planning to establish a permanent art gallery by 2026, giving Gambian and African artists a dedicated space to showcase their work.
This initiative is a huge boost to the country’s growing creative sector, providing opportunities for artists to gain exposure and develop their skills.
