About the Artists
Odiyifo Evans
Nambue Kofi Evans commonly known as Odiyifo, is a native of Tatale in the Northern region of Ghana, based in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
Odiyifo is astute Ghanaian imagemaker capable of demonstrating his versatility in the field of visual art of creativity. Currently he owns the registered Odiyifo Fine Art and Design Studio situated at Kumasi. He learned to draw at the age 10 from a primary school friend named Akwasi Brefo.He developed his interest in Art at the elementary stage of his education where he started with pencil drawing, he studied Visual arts at Armed Forces Senior High School, Kumasi and graduated with West African Senior High School Certificate Examination in the year 2006.
He also holds certificate of exhibition awarded by the Kumasi Centre for National Culture under the auspices of the Ministry of Creative Arts. His interest was further deepened when he pursued in visual Arts with major focus on picture making and has since been painting for the past sixteen years dating from 2006 to present.
Artist Statement:
"I draw and paint to ground myself. It is saidthat these techniques, used over hundreds of years, have become embedded in my DNA. So through the process of painting and drawing, I connect with my ancestors along
with legions for inspiration. Thankfully, my creations and artistry culture identify the wearer as someone who thinks deep and always create from his mind’s eye rather than someone who sees creatures and just
draw them. Along with a connection to artists around the world, my work is a way for me to commemorate and appreciate nature.
My designs are inspired by the laws of nature and the forms found in rich cultural and traditions of my root as an African. My works focuses more on conscientizing,
Ho me gu me mu (Breath on me)"- Odifiyo Evans
Ofori Kessey
Prosper Ofori Kessey is a Ghanaian born artist and a native of Nkoranza in the Bono region. He currently resides in Kumasi. Developing an interest, love and passion for art at an early age, He honed his skills through his years at primary school to his junior high school days.
Despite his passion and love for art, he studied science in senior high school. At the age of 20, he started his first job as a teacher at Judave Preparatory School and later worked as a sales agent at Ashcell Ghana Ltd. In 2017, he became an apprentice at Center for National Culture (CNC) under the artist Nambu Kofi Evans (Odiyifo Evans).
He incorporates the styles of realism, abstract art and symbolism. Acrylics being his main medium of choice, he occasionally switches between mediums to create diversity in his works. His works pays homage to the African culture, bring to light the beauty of black people and what it means to be African. He also draws inspiration from dreams, proverbs and political issues.
Ofori Kessey has participated multiple times in the Center for National Culture annual art exhibitions. As an aspiring artist, he hopes to change the narratives of Africa in a positive way through his works and also convey a feeling of peace and grace to the viewers, offering a moment or pause and deep belonging.ch idea manifests in its own individual style.
The Apprenticeship
Odiyifo Fine Art Studio is located
at the Centre For National Culture in Bantama, Kumasi City, Ghana.
The active studio is a structured instructional workshop environment comprised of seven apprentices (one female and seven males). In no particular order, they are;
Yeboah Godfred-Pentecost Senior High School. (2021) 19Yrs.
Mcklinus Antuo Bonye-Jachie Pramso Senior High. (2021) 19Yrs.
Gifty Nagode-Opoku Ware Girls Vocational. (2020) 17Yrs.
Adutwum Charles-Kumasi Senior High Tech. Sch. (2021) 19Yrs. .
Atta Solomon-Kumasi Senior High Tech. School (2018) 25Yrs
Oppong Patrick-Barekese Senior High School. (2015) 25Yrs.
Antwi Boasiako Emmanuel-Kumasi Snr. High Tech, Sch. (2021) 20Yrs.
We also receive art students from Kumasi University and surrounding senior high schools in the region to assist artists with developing technique and practical application with drawing, painting and mural project development.