Artist Statement
I am an artist who paints, collages, and prints with Ghanaian currency as my central medium, not only for its visual richness but for the histories, memories, and values it carries. By transferring images and text onto canvas with coated paper, wax, and pigment, I create surfaces that echo the feel of textiles, layering materiality with meaning. My journey as an artist shifted when I began to see currency as more than money. Old Ghanaian notes became, for me, archives, records of identity, nationhood, and change. Using paper transfers, silkscreen printing, and painting, I reimagine these notes into new forms, reflecting on their evolution and what they say about cultural memory and power. In my work, currency becomes a metaphor. It speaks of value, exchange, and the dreams people chase from daily survival to the pursuit of a better future. I am especially drawn to the narratives of migration: families and individuals leaving home with hope in their hands, caught between present struggles and distant ambitions. My art gives form to that tension, while celebrating endurance and possibility. At its core, my practice explores how symbols like money shape who we are, how we belong, and what we aspire to. By reworking these familiar images, I aim to spark new conversations about culture, identity, and the many ways value is measured. As I grow under the guidance of established artists, I continue to develop a practice rooted in Ghana yet reaching outward, adding fresh perspectives to the contemporary art scene both locally and globally.
Contemporary Ghanaian Artist
Collectives & Affiliations
- Member, Aaaaba Collective
- Member, BlaxTARLINES Kumasi - a project space for contemporary art based in the Department of painting and sculpture
- Member, dot.atelier, founded by Amoako Boafo
Exploring the Art of Value and the Value of Art.
Studio Practice & Experience
Assistant Experience
Adjei Tawiah
Assisted Adjei Tawiah at Amoako Boafo's incubator space, learning advanced techniques in emotional expression through figure drawing and further refining visual storytelling approaches. I have had the pleasure of assisting artist Adjei Tawiah in his studio. Throughout this time I have been able to develop and hone in my own practice, especially with regards to drawing figures and expressing emotions, which is what Adjei has become known for globally.
Amoako Boafo
I had the privilege of assisting renowned artist Amoako Boafo in his studio in Ghana, where I supported his creative process and witnessed firsthand his innovative approach to the representation of Black bodies. Renowned for his distinctive finger-painted portraits, Boafo's work repositions and reclaims Black identity within the global art conversation. His practice not only challenges historical portrayals but also creates space for new narratives making a profound impact on contemporary portraiture and the broader canon of art history
Ermias Ekube
I'm pleased to write this in recognition of the valuable contributions and dedicated support provided by Justice Kwame Aboagye during his time assisting me both in the studio and beyond. Justice has proven to be a dependable, enthusiastic, and thoughtful individual whose presence enriched every aspect of our work and experiences together. In the studio, Justice played an active role in maintaining a creative and focused environment. He assisted with the preparation of materials, organization of artworks, and took a keen interest in the creative process. His attention to detail and willingness to learn made him an asset to my artistic practice. At the workshop, Justice demonstrated a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit. He participated fully in discussions, handled tools and tasks with care, and contributed positively to the shared learning environment. His curiosity and respect for the artistic process were evident in every interaction. Outside of the studio setting, I had the pleasure of sharing moments of exploration and reflection with him. Whether we were sightseeing at the beach or traveling together to Kumasi, Justice remained engaged, respectful, and inquisitive. Our trip to Kumasi was particularly meaningful, as it offered opportunities to engage with Ghana’s rich cultural heritage something Justice embraced wholeheartedly. His ability to connect with others, ask insightful questions, and show appreciation for different environments speaks volumes about his character. In every setting professional, creative, or casual Justice carried himself with integrity, humility, and genuine interest. I have no hesitation in recommending him for future opportunities, whether they be in the arts, education, or cultural initiatives. His contribution has left a lasting impression, and I look forward to seeing the path he continues to carve out for himself.
dot.atelier Residency Support
Supported international resident artists as part of the dot.atelier program, contributing to collaborative projects and engaging in cross-cultural artistic exchange.