Sankofa, 2023

Lawrence Amoo  

Lawrence Amoo (b. 1996) is a Ghanaian artist whose creative journey unfolds through the mediums of hyper-realistic drawing of human figures, figurative painting of black identities, and other multi-disciplinary art forms. Amoo is currently working and living in Sekondi-Takoradi and a native of Prestea, in the Western Region of Ghana. Amoo studied visual arts in high school and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Animation and Illustration from the Takoradi Technical University.

Artist statement:

My artistic journey began at the age of seven when I started pencil drawing competitions with my classmates from primary school. This cultivated my extreme interest and passion for art's monochromatic simplicity, allowing me to focus on the nuances of light and shadow.

My palette of charcoal and graphite allows me to distil the essence of my subjects, not just by converting photographs into drawings but also by depicting details to tell stories with deep emotions and highlighting the exploration of the human form to capture the essence and individuality of each subject with precision and sensitivity.

My artistry now revolves around the representation of black identity, which transcends conventional series of canvas oil paintings to celebrate the multifaceted beauty of African blackness through a vibrant exploration of diverse skin tones. With bold colours and dynamic compositions, I capture the essence of Ghanaian cultural traditions and modern artistic expressions, highlighting the vibrancy and resilience of my local communities. Each canvas is a testament to the kaleidoscope of hues that define the rich spectrum of melanin, capturing the essence of individuality within the broader tapestry of shared heritage.