Frank Asomani Gallery

Frank Asomani was born in 1965. As a child, he did not dream of becoming a painter, he wanted instead be a musician or a fashion designer. In the end, he became a clergyman and a painter. He lives just outside Accra with his wife and two sons. Frank belongs to the group of up-and-coming artists in Ghana. The exhibition in Amsterdam will be his first trip abroad.

Most artists in Ghana work with cheerful themes such as market, women or musicians. Not Frank Asomani. The twisted heads that he paints seem to portray the darker side of life, and the works have titles that are almost philosophical statements. This is not deliberate, according to him. "Being philosophical is not my intention. My perception about life is sometimes reflected in my paintings." He is for instance interested in the fact that people pass judgement so quickly. "Until you get deep, your judgement can be wrong. The real is on the inside." Another theme that has his interest is the fact that so many people seem to live a superficial and empty life. He has managed to depict that emptiness accurately in a series of gaunt looking heads.

Remarkably, the work carried out in black and white as opposed to the explosion of colour characteristic of most works in Ghana. he also works with lighter themes, women on catwalk, self-designedd symbols or paintings full of bright splashes of paint.

Born: 1965, Ghana

Education:
1989 - 1992: Diploma in Art; Ankle College Of Art, Accra, Ghana

Work Experience:
1993 - Present: Professional Studio Practice, specializing in Painting, Drawing and Screen Printing
1996 - 1997: Painting and Drawing Commissioned by Marriset International Hotels
1997: Art Instructor for Kidderfest ’97 at the National Theatre; Accra, Ghana

Selected Exhibitions:
1993: “Self Expressions”; Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra, Ghana
1994: “Inner Expressions”; Novotel, Accra, Ghana
1995: “Miles Ahead”; Baze Line, Accra, Ghana
: “Of Mines & Men”; National Theatre, Accra, Ghana
: “Nativity”; ACA Gallery, Accra, Ghana
1996: “International Exposition”; Bric A Brac, Lome, Togo
1997: “Our Culture, Our Tourism”; National Theatre, Accra, Ghana
1998: “Spare Rib”; National Theatre, Accra, Ghana
2000: “Ghana To Vermont”; Vermont Studio Centre, USA

Awards:
1999: Bartimues Prize Award; National Theatre, Accra, Ghana

Public Collections:
Golden Tulip Hotel; Accra, Ghana
National Theatre; Accra, Ghana
Marisset International Hotels; Accra, Ghana
Interface Marketing; Zimbabwe
Leasafric; Accra, Ghana

Private Collections:
Singapore
Malaysia
USA