Exploring African spirituality, communalism, and human connection, Kwaku Owusu is known for his use of hand sign language in his work.
Kwaku Owusu (b. 1991) is an emerging artist based in Accra, Ghana. In a classic Surrealist manner, he explores the conscious and subconscious realms by presenting both physical and spiritual beings as unique individuals within a community. His works have been shown in Gallery 1957 and Mitochondria Gallery Texas. He has also been featured in the collection of Sir David Adjaye (New York, London, Accra) and Art Maison Marios (Berlin), and private collections in Abidjan, Lagos, and other parts of the world.
His new body of work, In-between Ashes, alludes to the African culture of being in a community with people with shared interests. In this new body of work, he looks at the urgency of both ideas, individuality and community.
In a conversation with Omenai, Owusu talks about his new body of work, In-Between Ashes, and his current solo exhibition at Omenai Gallery.
Tell us about yourself and your work.
Kwaku Owusu: I am a Ghanaian-based artist who uses oil paintings to capture my thoughts and expressions. My work delves into surrealism, highlighting the unseen. The essence of my art lies in the power of hand sign language, exploring communication subtleties, African spirituality, and communalism.
What does your artistic and creative process look like?
KO: I begin with a central idea or emotion, often inspired by personal experiences, research, or observations. I sketch rough outlines focusing on composition and gestures. The sketch evolves organically, and I transfer it to the canvas, where I layer oil paints, blending figurative and abstract elements with surrealist touches.
Who were some of your earliest artistic influences?
KO: My earliest artistic influences were Basquiat, then Egon Schiele, and Salvador Dalí. I like Egon Schiele’s work because of how he created his figures. They were kind of in a crooked posture. I like figures like that. I don’t like my figures to be stiff or look like they were taken from Pinterest or other pictures that have been taken lately. His figures have movements. You know, they’re always in the momentum, yeah, and then with Basquiat, the way he used his colors, and they had this raw composure. Salvador Dali’s works were more imaginary—you know, things that were out of this world—so I practiced using the symbolism in my works as well.
What questions do you seek to answer with your most recent body of work, In-Between Ashes?
KO: I seek to explore these two questions. One, how can the concept of ashes, as mentioned in The Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice, symbolize resolution and transformation within communities? Two, what can be revealed about human experience and connection when we view ashes not just as remnants of destruction, but as elements of renewal and growth? Through this series, I aim to delve into the human experience, exploring how we find resolution and healing in our community.
What role does research have in your work?
KO: Research is very important in my work. With research, you know what you are doing. I’ve come to understand that in the art world, you need facts to back the work you’re doing with some value as well. With research, I’m able to pass information to tell stories that people don’t even know about, such that I touch on even the myths and folklore that we have in societies that people hear about and then marvel at.
Can you share in detail the phase you are in now as an artist?
KO: I think right now I’m in the learning phase. There are a lot of things going on in the art space. Initially, I thought being an artist was just painting and then sending them to galleries, but it’s a whole different ballgame. Like you have to be a photographer, you have to be a researcher—something new all the time. You have to be able to communicate with people. You have to be able to go out there and connect. There’s always something new and I think I’m still in the learning phase.
What other projects do you have coming up?
KO: I’m excited about my first solo show at Omenai Gallery where I’ll be showing a series of works. I think a lot of eyes and attention will be on this solo show because of my previous exhibitions. And then, I have a group show with Revelle Gallery and I will be presenting works at an art fair with the Bridge Gallery.
In-Between Ashes is on view from July 19th to August 23rd, 2024 at Omenai Gallery.
Iyanuoluwa Adenle is a Nigerian art writer, essayist, and poet based in Lagos. She is currently the head writer at Omenai. Adenle has contributed to a number of art publications, including Tender Photo, Art News Africa, Pavillon 54, and Omenai.
