Samuel Aye-Gboyin is one of only six finalists chosen to have works on view in both the UCF Art Gallery and Rollins Museum of Art as part of the Pathways 2024: Carlos Malamud Prize exhibition. The prize offers a pathway to success for emerging artists in Florida. In addition to having his works on view, as a Pathways finalist Samuel receives mentorship from industry professionals.

About the Artist

Samuel utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to his work using these mediums to track what is happening today. Be it his frame-to-frame animation technique or compelling monochrome images, he investigates the topics of commerce, migration, globalization, and hybridity. His work bears witness to the ever-evolving conversation between the fleeting realms and the parallel worlds that coexist. 

Works on View at Rollins Museum of Art by Samuel Aye-Gboyin through September 1

Works on View at UCF Art Gallery by Samuel Aye-Gboyin through August 30

Samuel Aye-Gboyin Artist Statement

My art practice is an exploration of the profound stories hidden within the margins of society, where unsung heroes reside. “Rare View Mirror,” a series of photographs I have created, delves into the lives of those who often go unnoticed, yet are the backbone of Ghana’s small-scale industry. In this body of work, I challenge our preconceived notions of power, commerce, and privilege by shining a spotlight on these individuals.

The inspiration for “Rare View Mirror” draws from the influential works of Diane Arbus, a pioneer in the art of capturing the marginalized and unconventional. Arbus’ ability to elicit a sense of “othering” in her viewers has been a profound source of inspiration for me. I seek to replicate this effect in my work, encouraging viewers to question the boundaries we construct around our perceptions of normalcy and the exceptional. 

Through the lens of my camera, I aim to provoke contemplation about the dynamics of power and privilege, and how they intersect with the lives of ordinary people. These photographs become my vehicles of expression, enabling me to construct new narratives by placing these often marginalized individuals within contexts of affluence, beauty, power, and authority. This juxtaposition forces the viewer to confront their own biases and assumptions, making them reconsider the roles we assign to different members of our society. 

 My work is driven by a deep commitment to social commentary and storytelling. I use photography as a medium to explore the complex relationships between individuals and the world they inhabit. It is my belief that art should serve as a mirror to society, reflecting the truths we often overlook. “Rare View Mirror” encapsulates my dedication to this philosophy by shedding light on those whose stories are seldom told yet are undeniably crucial to the tapestry of our communities. 

Through “Rare View Mirror,” I aim to provoke conversations, challenge stereotypes, and redefine our perceptions of power and privilege. I hope that my work inspires viewers to see the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary and appreciate the beauty in the lives of those who exist on the fringes of society. 

---

---

---

View the Pathways 2024 Exhibition Catalog

---

---