Meet our artists!
Desmond Nii Kortey Botchway
Desmond Nii Kortey Botchway finds inspiration in the masquerades of the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, drawing from their rich cultural significance and the elaborate costumes worn during these performances. These masquerades, often linked to spiritual rituals and community celebrations, serve as a medium for storytelling, the embodiment of ancestral spirits, and the expression of identity. Botchway's works reflect the vibrant traditions, intricate masks, and symbolic attire that are central to these ceremonies. He explores how these masks and costumes, with their colors, shapes, and materials, represent both the past and the living connection between people and their culture.
Originating as rituals to honor ancestors and spirits. These performances were integral to communit, marking rites of passage and seasonal festivals. The masks and costumes, crafted with cultural symbolism, reflect the values, beliefs, and identity of the people, serving as a living connection to their heritage and ancestral teachings.
Chrystabel Changdu
Chrystabel Changdu is a young Ghanaian artist who draws inspiration from her grandmother for her latest piece. Chrystabel explores the theme of religious hypocrisy, inspired by the contrasting behaviors she observed in her grandmother. At home, her grandmother's actions often differed significantly from the persona she presented in church. This duality impacted Chrystabel, compelling her to create a piece that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of human behavior and the often unseen layers of behavior and authenticity.
Richmond Agamelah
Born in 1989 in Accra, Ghana. Richmond Agamelah studied at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design. He has developed his own unique style in which he uses discarded bank cards which he prefers over the use of a pallette knife. We sat down with him in his hometown of Dansoman and he told us how he used to send the younger children out on missions to retrieve old bank cards for him to use. It was an amazing insight into artist life in Ghana. Adaptation and resourcefulness are key.
Gideon Niikoi Kotey
Gideon Niikoi Kotey is a young artist from McCarthy Hill, Accra, he has been immersed in the world of art since childhood, with his father being a well-known artist in the community. Growing up surrounded by the constant hum of creativity, art was never a choice—it was simply part of his world. His father, a mentor and a guiding force, not only nurtured his artistic talent but also instilled in him a deep respect for the cultural heritage and history of Ghana.
Charity Derby Akeiti
Charity Derby Akeiti is a talented artist of Nigerian and Ghanaian descent whose work deeply reflects her cultural heritage and identity. Having lived on Bonny Island, a historically significant area in Nigeria's Rivers State, she draws inspiration from the rich cultural backdrop of both her Nigerian and Ghanaian roots. Her experiences living in both countries have profoundly influenced her art, which often explores themes of cultural identity, heritage, and the importance of staying connected to one's roots.
A striking characteristic of Akeiti’s work is her use of blank eyes in her figures. This unique artistic choice symbolizes the concept of people turning a blind eye to their cultural heritage. Through this technique, she conveys a powerful message about the dangers of cultural amnesia and the loss of identity that can come from neglecting one’s origins. Akeiti’s paintings often carry a deep emotional resonance, reminding viewers of the importance of cultural remembrance and self-awareness in an increasingly globalized world
Erica Adjei
Erica resides in the north of Greater Accra in Pakuase. One of the most distinctive aspects of Erica's work is her use of waste paper, a technique she developed during her time working at a paper press. Surrounded by discarded materials, she saw potential in what was typically considered waste, transforming it into a unique medium for her art. This innovative approach reflects her ability to find beauty and purpose in overlooked materials, adding depth and sustainability to her creative process.