A group of Ghanaian artists, including Cornelius Annor, have gained significant attention in the international art market for their paintings. Most of these artists began their careers at Gallery 1957 in Accra, and some attended the now-closed Ghanatta College of Art and Design.
Annor unveiled his second solo exhibition titled “A Fabric of Time and Family” at Venus Over Manhattan in New York, which is open until April 22. The exhibition title offers insight into Annor’s work and his position within the modern art market.
Ghanaian Artists Give Back to Their Community
The artists have created a movement that focuses on giving back to their community and paving the way for other artists. In Ghana, where there is a lack of art museums and exhibition spaces, it is important for local artists to develop their skills and opportunities within the country. This is why many artists are creating their own infrastructure and programs to support and encourage younger artists to follow them. For instance, Boafo started the first residency program, followed by Botchway with WorldFaze Art Studio, and now Annor’s C.Annor Studio is a space dedicated to nurturing and assisting young artists. Renowned palanquin artist Paa Joe is raising funds for his and his son’s Art Academy. All of these artists are training and mentoring younger artists.
Laurent Mercier of Maurani Mercier, the Belgian gallery that represents Annor, Taku, and Botchway, notes that the wrong type of collectors, such as asset managers, appeal to these artists. However, the gallery has cut off speculators and is now seeing institutions interested in their work. Gallery 1957 has also been careful about who they sell to, with only four works going to auction out of over 800 sold in the past few years.
The emergence of new figures in Ghanaian art has moved the conversation about African contemporary art beyond geopolitical borders.
