In the early part of his career, artist Delali Quarshie explored the process of painting the human figure, initially through body painting. He eventually transitioned to using paper and canvas.
He is known for creating anthropomorphic figures using acrylic on canvas and 3-D acrylic paint to explore identity, transformation and mental health.
In the second in a series of interviews with the grant awardees, AKADi Magazine caught up with Delali who talks about his art influences and becoming one of five recipients of the 2024 Africa Prime Initiative (API)/Gallery Soview grant.
API is the philanthropic arm of US-based video streaming platform Africa Prime.
Delali is currently represented by Joseph Awuah Darko, founder of the Noldor artist residency and the Institute of Museum Ghana and has showcased his work in a solo exhibition in Paris’ Gallery Medici.
How old were you when you first started painting? What did you paint and why did you choose that muse?
I believe I was around 12 years old when I began painting. It started with drawing various figures on classroom boards using coloured chalk. This interest progressed to painting children's faces at parties and in parks to earn some extra money. This experience inspired me to explore painting the human figure, initially through body painting, before eventually transitioning to paper and canvas artworks.
Name an artist that inspires you
I am highly inspired by Caravaggio and his compositions; his works are truly intriguing. Additionally, I am influenced by American pop artist Tom Wesselmann and his use of colour, which significantly impacts my own colour choices in my work.
I explore the diverse conversations and perspectives within society
What is it about using acrylic/3-D acrylic that appeals to you in conveying pieces around these big human interest topics (mental health/ identity)?
In expressing my ideas, I aim to draw my audience's attention at the emotions conveyed by my subjects in the composition. To achieve this, I use 3-D paints to create textures that effectively communicate these feelings.
Where were you when you learnt you’d won the API/ Gallery Soview grant and how did you feel at that moment?
I found out I had won the API/Gallery Soview grant through Instagram, as I had the Gallery's post notifications turned on. In that moment, I felt very ecstatic. I didn't expect to win, so it was a very pleasant surprise.
Tell us more about what you plan to do with your grant and what you plan to showcase in September at Gallery Soview.
My work currently focuses on the non-verbal expression of ideas and concepts. This focus has evolved into a study of how people interact, communicate their opinions and emotions, and the impact of external elements that create new synergies from the fusion of traditional and modern layers.
Using anthropomorphic beings, I explore the diverse conversations and perspectives within society, while also creating a space to question them. Through this exhibition, I invite my audience to explore the possibilities of human existence.
About API
Founded in 2022 by Yaya Moussa, API has provided grants to artists in Namibia, in collaboration with the StArt Art Gallery, and in Madagascar, in partnership with Fonds Yavarhoussen. Two years later, the initiative expanded to support emerging artists in Ghana.
About Gallery Soview
Gallery Soview is a contemporary art gallery situated in Accra, Ghana created by founder and director Barbara Kokpavo Janvier. The gallery has a strong focus on emerging artists from Africa and is committed to enhancing their visibility both within and beyond the continent.
The contents of this page are based on questions sent by AKADi Magazine and cannot be reproduced without permission.
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