04/25/2026
Rita Mawuena Benissan “We Reign in Crimson”, 2024, Embroidery on velvet
134.6 x 134.6 cm / 53 x 53in
Inspired by the legacy of Aaron Douglas and the Harlem Renaissance, “We Reign in Crimson”—weaves together identity, history, and symbolism through richly layered tapestries. Her use of undefined figures invites viewers to see themselves reflected, while deep crimson tones evoke royalty, sacrifice, and spiritual power. Drawing from centuries-old pigment histories, her work connects past and present, grounding celestial themes of love, resilience, and belonging in a contemporary visual language.
Marking the 6yr anniversary of the groundbreaking exhibition, Destinee Ross-Sutton .knee and Ross-Sutton Gallery is proud to present
Born in Abidjan to Ghanaian parents, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges heritage, identity, and contemporary culture. She blends textile, photography, and installation to explore Ghanaian traditions and narratives of power and belonging.
Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale, Dak’Art Biennale, and Gallery 1957 in Accra, with a landmark solo museum exhibition at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town—where she became the youngest artist and first woman to receive a major atrium commission. Through her foundation Si Hene and curatorial work, Benissan continues to shape global conversations around cultural preservation and representation.