10 artistic talents chosen as finalists for key Ghana prize

The names of the ten exciting artists who have emerged finalists for the 2nd Annual Kuenyehia Prize for Contemporary Ghanaian Art have been revealed.

Hundreds of artists across Ghana entered submissions for the award, which is fast becoming one of the key milestones in the country’s art calendar.

It can also be announced that the world-renowned artist and scholar Professor El Anatsui will chair the Jury Panel that will select the ultimate winner and two runners-up from the ten finalists.

Awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2015 Venice Biennale for his influence on generations of artists working in West Africa, Prof Anatsui brings huge world-class experience and gravitas to the jury panel.

The ultimate winner and two runners-up will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony in Accra on Thursday, April 14, 2016.

The three winning artists will share prize money totaling twenty-five Ghana Cedis (GHS25,000) in addition to training, coaching and mentoring by renowned artists and art professionals.

The shortlisted artists are:

• Bright Ackwerh (Illustration)

• Deryk Owusu Bempah (Photography)

• Enam Bosoka (Drawing)

• Gorden Kegya (Painting)

• Isshaq Ismail (Painting)

• Maxwell Boadi (Painting)

• Mustapha Mohammed (Painting)

• Peter Schaub-Nzoley (Painting)

• Sefa Nkansa (Photography)

• Setor Fiadzigbey (Illustration)

The works of shortlisted artists are currently on exhibition at the Kuenyehia Prize Pop-Up Gallery, F53/7 No. 1, Off 2nd Labone Street, Opposite Law Institute/Akosombo Chambers, Behind Labone SHS, Labone Accra. Entry is free and open to the general public.

The exhibition runs until April 8, 2016, 10am – 5pm on weekdays. Viewing on weekends can be arranged by calling 0246644059.

Established in 2014, the objective of the Kuenyehia Prize for Contemporary Ghanaian Art is to identify, reward and help develop Ghana’s most outstanding artists between the ages of 25 and 40.

It is under the distinguished patronage of Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhen of Essikado Traditional Area, The Prize benefits from a renowned Advisory Board chaired by Samallie Kiyingi, Patron of Tate Britain’s African Art Acquisitions Committee.

Other members of the Board include Madam In partnership with the Foundation for Contemporary Art - Ghana Frances Ademola, The Loom Gallery Accra, Gina Din-Kariuki, CEO Gina Din Corporate Communications, Joel Nettey, Rezults Advertising, Alessio Antoniolli, Director of Gasworks and the Triangle Arts Trust, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Curator and Professor of Visual Art, Goldsmith’s College and Gbenga Oyebode MFR, Art Collector and Managing Partner, Aluko & Oyebode.