Artists Using Wood and Fiber

Meet three Ghanaian artists creating unusual artworks with wood and fiber

A River with a Room (Nsuteen Buom) (2017) by Gideon AppahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

Inspired by Ghana's wonderful trees

Located on the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana covers an area of 92,098 square miles (238,533 square kilometers). It is home to many tree species that flourish due to the country's unique climate. These have inspired artists to experiment and create extraordinary artworks. 

Akuaba I (2018) by Adu TwumOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

#1: Adu Doku Twum

Artist Adu Doku Twum crafts sculptures from discarded wood and tree bark, embracing the natural imperfections shaped by insects, weather, and Styrofoam. His art pays homage to Ghanaian Ananse folktales, blending tradition with innovative materials.

Akuaba II (2018) by Adu TwumOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

Adu Doku Twum's 'Akuaba II'

Artist Adu Doku Twum pays tribute to Ghanaian Ananse folktales through his sculpture 'Akuaba II'. This work incorporates traditional fertility dolls, highlighting their spiritual significance in Ghanaian culture.

Orange, Tree and Cat on fire (Akutu, dua ene okra a oda gyam) (2017) by Gideon AppahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

#2: Artist Gideon Appah

Gideon Appah, inspired by his family home, paints surreal figures and landscapes with rich colors. Nostalgic blues, bold crimsons, deep greens, and charcoal create a journey into the artwork, guided by branches and leaves.

Transient (2017) by Gideon AppahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

Symbolic Tree

Gideon Appah's vibrant landscapes are built with thick layers of acrylic paint. His trees, with their ghostly reflections, represent organic transformation, family memories, and identity.

Memories of the present (2021) by Theresah AnkomahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

#3: Theresah Ankomah

Theresah Ankomah explores the complexities of craft through her performances and artworks. She's renowned for her basket weaving techniques, utilizing natural fibers. Her works delve into themes of identity, geopolitics, gender, and capitalism.

Memories of the present (2021) by Theresah AnkomahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

A Walk-through Intimacy

Artist Theresah Ankomah's 'A Walk-through Intimacy' utilizes repurposed kenaf baskets to create a visually stunning, immersive installation on the Nubuke Foundation's façade. The work is meant to be a dynamic experience, constantly evolving with the environment.

A Walk-through Intimacy (2021) by Theresah AnkomahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

Chali Basket Jungle

The audience walks through repurposed woven kenaf baskets called chali. A jungle of hanging baskets, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

A Walk-through Intimacy (2021) by Theresah AnkomahOriginal Source: Nubuke Foundation

Eco-art

Adu Doku Twum, Gideon Appah, and Theresah Ankomah find inspiration in Ghana's diverse natural world. Their work celebrates the beauty and sustainability of using wood and fiber to express complex themes and traditional stories.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
World Wide Wood
From Japan's cherry blossoms to California's redwoods, explore the amazing world of trees
View theme

Interested in Visual arts?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites