Action-Packed & Horrible: The Grand Opening of Deadly Prey Gallery is the first in a series of shows at Deadly Prey Gallery showcasing their large permanent collection of hand-painted movie posters from Ghana, West Africa. The work on display covers the early 90’s to present day featuring well known poster and sign artists from the region such as Mr. Brew, Leonardo, Salvation, Stoger, Death is Wonder, Joe Mensah, Samuel Arts, AfricAtta, and Heavy J.
These posters were once the product of a m...
Action-Packed & Horrible: The Grand Opening of Deadly Prey Gallery is the first in a series of shows at Deadly Prey Gallery showcasing their large permanent collection of hand-painted movie posters from Ghana, West Africa. The work on display covers the early 90’s to present day featuring well known poster and sign artists from the region such as Mr. Brew, Leonardo, Salvation, Stoger, Death is Wonder, Joe Mensah, Samuel Arts, AfricAtta, and Heavy J.
These posters were once the product of a much larger industry known as the “Ghanaian Mobile Cinema”. This business started in the late 1980’s when artistic industrious groups of people formed video clubs. With a television, vcr, vhs tapes, and a portable generator they’d travel throughout Ghana setting up make-shift screening areas in villages void of electricity. An interesting selection of movies became popular because of this trade including both Hollywood action and horror, low budget American schlock, Bollywood films, Hong Kong martial arts movies, and native Ghanaian and Nigerian features.
As more people gained interest in this rising business, competition arose. Mobile cinema operators found a need to set their products apart, so an advertising motif came into play. With no affordable access to printing, the hand-painted movie poster was the most logical advertising vehicle. Skilled local artists were now part of this growing entertainment industry in Ghana, and they surely brought their own distinct touch to each film they were called upon to promote. By sewing together two used flour sacks, a perfect sized canvas for a movie poster was created. Each unique poster varies in size ranging from 40 - 50 in. width x 55-70 in. height. The ruggedness of these posters is immediately noticed. Though a specific poster might only be 10-20 years old, it’s appearance will far surpass it’s actual age due to the elemental toll one takes from constant transit, being rolled, folded, left in the sun, rain, etc.
Today access to printing is far less expensive and movies have become more accessible to the general public in Ghana. The mobile cinema has all but passed away, but these hand-painted movie posters remain a wonderful, tangible product of the time.
Deadly Prey Gallery is a new space dedicated to West African poster and sign art created by brother & sister duo Brian and Heidi Anne Chankin. Brian is also the owner and founder of Odd Obsession Movies, a video store in Wicker Park specializing in genre film, foreign, classic, and independent cinema.
Deadly Prey Gallery
1433 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
312.659.1991
Opening Reception: Friday June 26, 2015, 7pm-11pm
Original posters, prints and limited edition Deadly Prey tote bags will be available for purchase. Refreshments & snacks of Ghanaian origin will be served. This show will remain up for one month with viewings by appointment.
For more info please call Brian at 312.659.1991 or email brian@deadlypreygallery.com