Battle Royale II – Pantheon of Champions
Gallery 1957 London proudly presents “Battle Royale II: Pantheon of Champions.” This solo exhibition features British-Ghanaian mixed-media artist Godfried Donkor. It follows his 2019 show in Ghana, “Battle Royale I: Last Man Standing.” This new collection comes from his recent residency in Accra.
Godfried Donkor’s art reflects over 20 years of research. He explores colonialism, slavery, trade, and socio-historical relations between Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Using boxing history in Ghana as a base, he links it to the slave trade across the UK, USA, and Ghana. He examines events like “battles royal,” where white men forced black slaves to fight to the death. Donkor shows boxing’s role as “the art of self-defense.”
“Battle Royale I” depicted early boxing figures like Tom Molineaux and Bill Richmond. Now, “Battle Royale II” focuses on contemporary boxing in Ghana. Donkor draws inspiration from Jamestown’s improvised boxing gyms. This area was also the first British settlement in Ghana.
The Industrial Revolution transformed Accra, especially Jamestown. It became a bustling trading center. During this time, boxing evolved from a sport to a business and social event. It gained nationwide popularity. In “Battle Royale I,” fighters sought survival and freedom. In “Battle Royale II,” they fight for national pride, fortune, and a better life.
Donkor’s Pantheon honors ten legendary local champions. These include Roy “Black Flash” Ankrah, Floyd Klutei Robertson, David Kotei Poison, and Azumah “Zoom Zoom” Nelson. Others are Nana Yaw Konadu, Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, Alfred “Cobra” Kotey, Joshua Clottey, Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko, and Isaac Dogboe. Donkor’s work also appears in the National Portrait Gallery, showcasing his dedication to African excellence.
Godfried Donkor captures Jamestown’s vibrant energy. He highlights its dynamic public spaces and boxing arenas. The exhibition includes critical texts by Thomas Seymour and Nii Allotey Bruce-Konuah.
