Joseph Awuah-Darko
@OKUNTAKINTE
Artist, Curator and Writer. 🇬🇭
Why do African artists typically face visa struggles to engage with their *own exhibited work abroad; gallery solos, major biennales, and residencies? It sets a troubling precedent when Western institutions embrace ARTISTRY from the continent but overlook its PEOPLE. Fix it!
I’m excited to announce that after almost 2 years in the making my major forthcoming debut book for @manjujournal is here. ‘VOICES’, is the first of its kind book featuring over 80 exclusive interviews with Ghanaian visual artists. Pre-order here rb.gy/xmg7v ❤️
The next 6 months Will be your best 6 months. Claim it! ⚡️
Dear Artists : Get out of the studio more. Out of your head. Curiosity is not just good, it’s ESSENTIAL. Feed your inner child - for that is were your truest convictions for the future can be found.
Dear Artists, The answer is within the seeker. In order to be good at something, you have to embrace the reality that you may be bad at it in the BEGINNING. Beginnings are often NOT glamorous, but they are essential. Choose growth.💡
Artists: The time you dedicate to NOT creating art is EQUALLY as important as the time you dedicate to working on your craft. Having a full human existence BEYOND your studio will only serve to enrich the magic you create within it. Remember this.
Artists: The ends do not always justify the means. Every curator, gallerist, dealer, critic, and collector will contribute to your journey in ways small and large. Don’t burn bridges. Water the garden of relationships that have bloomed along your wild journey. #FindYourTribe
Dear Artists: Comparison is truly the thief of joy. 2 + 8 = 10 5 + 5 = 10 3 + 7 = 10 1 + 9 = 10 6 + 4 = 10 The unique path to the ‘success’ you genuinely seek will not look like anyone else’s. Not even your friends. Stay the course. Your journey is exactly that - ‘yours’.
Question: Is the term 'African Contemporary Art' a double-edged sword? It is an important term. While it shines a crucial spotlight on artistic contributions from the continent, does it also inadvertently marginalize artists, perpetuating segregated view of the art world?
African Contemporary Art can sometimes feel like an endless parade of derivative imitations. It's disheartening to see artists simply mimicking Western styles instead of forging their own unique identities.
I’ve reviewed over 70 artist residency applications today. Is it just me, or is African Contemporary Art drowning in a sea of repetitive patterns and recycled themes? Emerging artists need to be bolder. We need fearless pioneers, not more “figurative” followers. #BeFree
The @UNESCO DG visited also Noldor Residency, an African contemporary art ecology for emerging artists to grow and develop their practice. She was received by @OKUNTAKINTE, the director, who took her on a tour of the various galleries in the space. #ShareCulture
Dropped out of college after suicide attempt in 2017. Re-applied in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Built a million dollar organization which supports African contemporary artists in 2021 - while studying online. Graduated @Ashesi in 2022! 👨🏿🎓❤️
After surviving several [5] suicide attempts, this year I will be releasing a short film on my battle with mental health titled ‘It’s Okay’. This seeks to de-stigmatize current misconceptions on what mental-illness means in West Africa. 🇬🇭⚡️
🚨ANGELIQUE KIDJO IS NOW A 4X #GRAMMYs AWARD WINNER.
Does anyone else realise how far @OKUNTAKINTE is taking art in Ghana? I’m proud of him 🤍