Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah is embarking on her first international residency, a three-week cultural research and study tour in Spain, beginning October 27. This significant journey marks her first international residency experience. The residency, sponsored by the international ART27 Group and its founder Ferenc Donderer, aims to deepen Bah's expertise in printmaking and mixed-media art. Bah stated, "I am not travelling to leave; I am travelling to learn and bring that global knowledge back home to my country. My students in Sanyang, my upcoming expansion with the NCAC, my art, and most importantly, my family and my mother are my ultimate anchors." Bah is considered a rising artist in The Gambia, and this residency is expected to significantly contribute to her artistic development. The three-week cultural research and study tour is specifically designed to broaden her skills and knowledge.
Artistic Journey Through Spain
Anna Isatou Bah will fly from Banjul to Barcelona to commence her residency. In Barcelona, she will join the Art Print Residence, where she intends to refine advanced non-toxic relief engraving techniques. This specialized training is a key component of her artistic development during the residency. Bah is also scheduled to conduct research at the Picasso Museum during her time in the city, providing her with valuable insights into the works of a master. The second stage of her residency will take her to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, continuing her immersive cultural and artistic experience.
At Cherrie’s Attic Art Space in Tenerife, Bah will participate in a masterclass led by artists Carolyne Jacobs and Simon Capelen. This masterclass will focus on traditional European wood carving and tactile mixed-media structures, offering a diverse range of techniques to explore. Additionally, Bah will spend a day at TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) in Santa Cruz. At TEA, she plans to immerse herself in large-scale contemporary installations and modern museum architecture, further expanding her artistic insights and understanding of diverse artistic expressions. This full program ensures a rich and varied learning experience across different artistic disciplines and historical contexts.
Context and Future Impact
Anna Isatou Bah continues to serve as a key support system for her mother and remains a driving force in local arts education in The Gambia. Her dedication to her community is evident in her ongoing efforts to foster artistic talent. Upon her return from Spain, scheduled between 14 and 23 November 2026, Bah will resume her art workshops in Sanyang. These workshops are key for nurturing young artists in her community. She also intends to expand her teaching initiatives in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Fajara, further broadening her impact on arts education. Bah’s international residency is expected to strengthen her role as a leading figure in Gambian visual art, integrating new techniques and experiences into her local practice and educational programs. Her continued commitment to both her family and the development of art education shows the significance of her international learning experience, promising a lasting positive influence on the Gambian art scene.
Artist's Vision
Anna Isatou Bah's international residency in Spain aims to broaden her artistic perspective and integrate new techniques into her work. Her focus includes refining non-toxic relief engraving at the Art Print Residence in Barcelona and exploring traditional European wood carving and tactile mixed-media structures at Cherrie’s Attic Art Space in Tenerife. Bah also plans to study large-scale contemporary installations and modern museum architecture at TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes). This full program is designed to enrich her practice and enhance her contributions to art education in The Gambia upon her return, particularly through her workshops in Sanyang and collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Fajara. The tour is specifically designed to deepen her expertise in both printmaking and mixed-media art, ensuring she brings back a wealth of new knowledge and skills.
