There is more to Ghana than highlife music, jollof wars, and azonto dance moves! The country is packed with creative energy, and nowhere is this more evident than in its visual arts scene.
Ghanaian artists are shaking up the global art world with powerful storytelling, mind-blowing installations, and bold reinterpretations of African identity. Whether it’s through recycled jute sacks, satirical paintings, or awe-inspiring sculptures, these artists are making waves both at home and abroad.
So, who are the top 5 visual artists in Ghana redefining contemporary art? In this post, we’ll introduce you to five of the most groundbreaking names, their unique artistic styles, and the studios or art spaces they run. If you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or just someone who loves discovering new talent, keep reading; this list is for you!
Top 5 Visual Artists in Ghana
1. Ibrahim Mahama – The Visionary of Monumental Installations
When it comes to large-scale, thought-provoking art, Ibrahim Mahama is a name that commands attention. Born in Ghana, Mahama works across Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. His influence on Ghana’s art space is undeniable.
Mahama’s art revolves around themes of labor, migration, and economic structures, often using repurposed materials like jute sacks to create awe-inspiring installations. His works have been exhibited in top global art spaces, including the Venice Biennale.
Beyond his art, Mahama is a strong advocate for creative development. He has established multiple artistic institutions, including Red Clay Studio, Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), and Nkrumah Volini, which serve as creative incubators for emerging visual artists in Ghana and beyond. His impact on Ghana’s contemporary art scene continues to grow, making him one of the most influential figures in African art.
2. Kwame Akoto Bamfo – The Sculptor Preserving African Heritage
Kwame Akoto Bamfo is a Ghanaian sculptor renowned for his evocative and powerful installations that honor African heritage. His work primarily focuses on the legacy of slavery and African identity, using sculpture to create deep emotional connections with history.
His Nkyinkyim Installation, a breathtaking outdoor sculpture series, serves as a memorial to the transatlantic slave trade, educating people on the resilience and struggles of African ancestors. His works have gained global recognition, making him a key figure in contemporary African art.
3. Bernard Akoi-Jackson – The Experimental Storyteller
If there’s one visual artist in Ghana who isn’t afraid to push creative boundaries, it’s Bernard Akoi-Jackson. Blending performance, text, and installation art, he challenges societal structures and invites audiences to think critically about issues of identity, colonial history, and cultural hybridity.
Akoi-Jackson is known for his association with BlaxTarlines Kumasi, a contemporary art initiative from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Through this, he mentors young artists and contributes to Kumasi’s ever-evolving contemporary art movement. His works have been showcased internationally, proving that Ghana, especially Kumasi’s art scene is as dynamic as it is groundbreaking.
4. Serge Attukwei Clottey – The Environmental Storyteller
Primarily based in Accra, Serge Attukwei Clottey has strong ties to Kumasi’s art circles as well. His concept of “Afrogallonism”, where he transforms yellow plastic containers into stunning art pieces, has sparked conversations about environmental sustainability, waste management, and migration.
Clottey frequently collaborates with visual artists in Ghana, bringing a fresh perspective to Ghana’s contemporary art movement. His studio, GoLokal, serves as a platform for both emerging and established artists to explore themes of African identity and environmental consciousness. His works have been featured globally, making him one of the most celebrated artists of his generation.
5. El Anatsui – The Maestro of Transformative Sculptures
El Anatsui is a name that resonates globally. Born in Anyako, Ghana, in 1944, Anatsui has spent much of his career in Nigeria. He’s renowned for his monumental installations crafted from recycled materials, especially his iconic bottle-top sculptures.
These glowing tapestries, made from thousands of aluminum bottle caps sewn together, explore themes of consumption, waste, and the environment.
Anatsui’s works have graced prestigious venues worldwide, earning him accolades like the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in 2015. His art transforms discarded materials into profound visual narratives, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary African art.
6. Ama Asantewa Diaka – The Multifaceted Storyteller
Ama Asantewa Diaka, also known as Poetra Asantewa, is a Ghanaian poet, storyteller, and spoken word artist. Her work delves into themes of inequality, feminism, and mental health, aiming to spark conversations and inspire change. Beyond her performances, Diaka is the founder of Tampered Press, a literary and arts collective that provides a platform for African writers and artists to showcase their work.
She is also involved in educational programs with the non-profit organization Love Rocks, where she mentors young individuals, helping them navigate complex social issues through art. Her debut poetry collection, Woman, Eat Me Whole, has been praised for its profound exploration of womanhood and societal expectations.
7. Adjo Kisser – The Community-Centric Visual Artist
Adjo Daiki Apodey Kisser is a Ghanaian visual artist and assistant lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. Her artistic practice focuses on community-based art projects, exploring the evolving notions of ‘community’ in contemporary society.
Kisser’s work has been featured in several curated exhibitions in Ghana and Europe, including “UmStand der Dinge: A State of Affairs” in Hamburg. She is an active member of blaxTARLINES KUMASI, an experimental incubator and project space for contemporary art at KNUST. Through her art, Kisser interrogates gender roles and societal narratives, using intricate details to engage and challenge viewers.
Ghana’s Art Scene is Unstoppable!
The visual artists in Ghana are not only preserving Ghana’s rich artistic heritage but are also pushing it forward with groundbreaking innovation. Whether through installation art, painting, performance, or unconventional mediums, they continue to make waves both locally and internationally.
If you’re an art lover, it’s time to keep your eyes on these key figures—They are full of inspiration, talent, and next-level creativity. Don’t forget to follow these artists, visit their studios, and support the incredible work they’re doing.
Indeed, Art is life!
