ACCRA, GH.- Foster Sakyiamah (b.1983, Ghana) shares a new collection of paintings for his first European show at Kutlesa gallery. In his latest body of work, the painter considers his personal journey to manhood and his identity within a matrilineal society. His mother, sisters, and wife, who have often been depicted on his canvases, remain key figures here, serving as a grounding presence for reflection and celebration.

Characters from his local community form the essence of Sakyiamah's paintings: vibrant, stylish, often in pairs or trios, yet highly individual, even when sartorially coordinated. A sense of connection, tradition, and camaraderie permeate through his compositions, his subjects epitomizing what Sakyiamah terms 'casual opulence.'

Deeply influenced by renowned Malian photographer Malick Sidibe and Ghanaian-British photographer James Barnor, Sakyiamah emphasizes style as a critical aspect of identity and expression rather than mere aesthetic flourish.

The swirling, intricate patterns on the canvas form not only the textile-like background, but blend into the bodies of the subjects themselves, revealing an image fully in motion, vibrating with life. The portraits transform their subjects from individuals merely observed and depicted into distinct characters with a commanding presence, inviting and enveloping the viewer into the spirited setting of daily Ghanian life, straight from Sakyiamah's memories.

Foster Sakyiamah




Foster Sakyiamah (b. 1983) is an emerging contemporary artist based in Accra, Ghana. Instantly recognizable for their vibrant color palettes and preponderance of curved linear patterns, Sakyiamah's paintings are celebrated as exuberant portrayals of the people and culture of Ghana. Even though his art comes naturally, he developed his artistic skills gradually from his primary education, through middle school up to the advanced level at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design in Ghana. In 2021 Foster was an Artist in Residence at the Noldor Residency, Ghana. During this period Sakyiamah developed his unique painterly style further resulting in a recent body of work; Between Lines & Spaces (2021).

The Noldor Residency

Founded in November 2020, The Noldor Residency is Ghana's first independent artist residency and fellowship program for contemporary African artists on the continent as well as in the Diaspora. The program invites artists to explore their creative practices over a four-week residency and various year-long fellowships as a Senior, Junior, Visiting and Digital Fellows.

Upcoming Solo Exhibitions

Kutlesa Gallery
Date: September 16 October 22, 2022
Bernerhöhe N 7, 6410 Goldau, Switzerland

ADA Gallery
Date: 3rd November 2022 to 3rd January 2023
Villaggio Vista, N Airport Rd, Accra

Gloria Gallery
Date: Q3 2023
108 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris