On Show at Zeitz MOCAA: One Must Be Seated by Rita Mawuena Benissan

Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan is hosting a solo exhibition of new works at Zeitz MOCAA from 13 November 2024 to 5 October 2025. One Must Be Seated is deeply rooted within the artist’s Ghanaian culture and particularly focuses on the reimagining of the royal umbrella and stool, symbols of Akan chieftaincy.

The exhibition forms part of an ongoing series of in-depth, research-based solo exhibitions by Zeitz MOCAA that bring into focus and contextualise the practices of important artists from Africa and the Diaspora, and those whose work focuses on seminal topics in the African present. Here’s what you need to know.

One Must Be Seated by Rita Mawuena Benissan

A symbolic ode to Ghanaian culture

This new art exhibition in Cape Town explores the enstoolment of a prospective chief, akin to coronation; a call to take their rightful seat in the stool that has been chosen for them. “The exhibition layout simulates the enstoolment tradition with each successive gallery symbolising a stage in the process,” explains Beata America, the curator of the exhibition, and Assistant Curator at Zeitz MOCAA.

One of the central pieces on show is a large-scale scene of the palace at dusk, depicted in detail through an intricately woven tapestry, setting the tone for Rita Mawuena Benissan’s conversation. Walking through the space, visitors will encounter the powerful and design-forward video installation, elaborate clusters of umbrellas, and the much revered Ghanaian royal stool set in a dedicated space with red velvet draping.

More about Rita Mawuena Benissan

Rita Mawuena Benissan was born in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire in 1995 to Ghanaian parents. Her artistic journey is highlighted by a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Apparel and Textile Design from Michigan State University in 2017, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in photography and an African Studies Program Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021.

Rita’s works have been acquired by esteemed private and institutional collections including Foundation H, The Dean Collection, Fundacion Yannick Y Ben, Paola Pavirani Golinelli, and many others.

How to book tickets to Zeitz MOCAA

Cost: From R250pp, book via Webtickets or pay at entrance

When: Running from 13 November 2024 to 5 October 2025. Daily from 10am to 6pm
Where: V&A Waterfront Silo District, S Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Website: zeitzmocaa.museum
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 087 350 4777
Instagram: @zeitzmocaa
Facebook: @ZeitzMOCAA