10 Notable Ghanaian Visual Artists Making Waves Right Now

Over the last few years, Ghanaian visual artists have started to gain more recognition from the global creative industry. The wonderful West African country of artists such as painters, sculptors, animators, and other visual artists has promoted itself using social media platforms. In 2019, a group of Ghanaian artists made a big splash with an exhibit presented at the highly prestigious art event, the Venice Biennale. The exhibit titled “Ghana Freedom” was curated by Ghanaian writer and art historian Nana Oforiatta Ayim, and housed in a structure designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye.

The art exhibit received considerable praise and represents a major shift in Ghana’s art industry. “The idea of having artists across generations—from Selasi Awusi Sosu to Ibrahim Mahama and right up to Felicia Abban, who is in her 80s—provides a range of voices to this conversation,” Oforiatta Ayim told CNN. “I chose to show half male, half female, half rooted in Ghana and half in the diaspora, which is a small selection of our country’s artists but presents as pluralistic an idea as possible.”

What is Art?

Art is the result of imagination and creativity, particularly in physical form. It can be defined as a painting, a theatrical performance, or a sculpture. In Africa, for example, art is practiced in many forms and manners. Ghana, located in the western part of Africa with its capital city in Accra, has emerged as a formidable contemporary art centre. The Nubuke Foundation is at the heart of this art renaissance, nurturing and showcasing the talents of Ghanaian artists. Here, we present some of the most interesting artists working with experimental materials and traditional forms.

10 Notable Ghanaian Visual Artists

1. Ebenezer Kwesi Ofori Appiah

• Location: Accra, Ghana
• Medium: Painting, Drawing
• Education: Ghanatta College of Art and Design; HND in Graphic Design from Takoradi Technical University

• Artistic Style: Abstract/Figurative painter using acrylic on canvas or walls. His work often addresses social issues and traditional stories, tackling subjects like child labour and skin shaming.

2. Eric Odartey Cruickshank (“Lines Being”)

• Location: Accra, Ghana
• Born: 2000
• Medium: Painting
• Education: Takoradi Technical University

• Artistic Style: Contemporary art across various media, emphasising the significance of lines. His work documents social, cultural, and political affiliations, inspired by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Amoako Boafo.

3. Ebenezer Borlabie

• Location: Teshie-Nungua Estate, Ghana
• Medium: Painting

• Artistic Style: Known for street scenes and galloping horsemen, Borlabie’s work reflects themes from his African background. He uses light and a meticulous process that sometimes includes a palette knife for an impressionistic feel.

4. Michael Annan

• Location: Kasoa, Ghana
• Born: 2001
• Medium: Painting

• Artistic Style: Annan focuses on social issues such as child trafficking and gender equality. His work bridges the gap between the rich and poor, using art as a voice for the vulnerable.

5. Ernest Larbi Budu

• Location: Kumasi, Ghana
• Born: 1989
• Medium: Painting

• Artistic Style: A self-taught artist exploring various mediums, Budu’s contemporary works can be found and purchased online. His art helps him feel alive and connected to the world.

6. Serge Attukwei Clottey

• Medium: Plastic patchwork installations, performances, charcoal portraits, photography, and sculpture

• Artistic Concept: Creator of “Afrogallonism,” repurposing waste to discuss mass consumption and environmental effects.

7. Zohra Opoku

• Location: Accra, Ghana
• Medium: Photography

• Artistic Style: Opoku’s work examines cultural and socioeconomic influences in contemporary Ghana, with a focus on textiles and personal identities.

8. Ama ‘Poetra’ Diaka

• Medium: Poetry, Performance, Illustration, Design

• Artistic Style: Multifaceted artist known for addressing inequality, feminism, and mental health. She leads educational programs to help the youth understand these topics.

9. Kwame Akoto-Bamfo

• Medium: Sculpture

• Artistic Style: His work revolves around ancestral trauma in Ghana. Akoto-Bamfo’s detailed sculptures convey historical stories and have gained international recognition.

10. Paa Joe

• Medium: Fantasy Coffins

• Artistic Style: Known for his figurative coffins inspired by traditional Ghanaian customs. Paa Joe’s work is showcased globally, demonstrating unique and creative designs.

Conclusion

Ghana’s contemporary art scene is vibrant and diverse, with artists making significant impacts both locally and internationally. From painting and sculpture to innovative installations and performances, Ghanaian visual artists continue to explore and expand the boundaries of creativity, making their mark on the global art landscape.