Ghanaian artist Nana Danso Awuah-Asante presents 'From Soul to Humanity' taking the viewer on a journey through his works from 2018 to today, curated by Chantel Akworkor Thompson and Calvin Ayivie. 'A chronological representation of his creative ingenuity, the exhibition demonstrates the sheer versatility of an artist who can be defined only by his name: Nana Danso Awuah-Asante.' ASE had the opportunity to speak to Danso about his work, inspirations and what the exhibition means to him.

If you were to introduce yourself in one sentence, how would you do so? 

What you see is what you get.

Who are you separate to an artist? 

Before anything else, I see myself as a son and a brother, deeply rooted in my loving family. I'm inherently curious about life, which drives me to explore and dabble in various interests and pursuits. This curiosity fuels my creativity and shapes my perspective as an artist.

In childhood who were your greatest inspirations?

My parents , I always felt they were superheroes.

Growing up was there a moment that catalysed your dedication into becoming an artist full time?

Once I identified the characters or motifs that resonated with people, there was a noticeable gravitational pull towards them. This encouraged me to take a sabbatical from school to wholeheartedly pursue my passion for art. It was a pivotal decision that allowed me to fully immerse myself in my craft and further develop my artistic voice.

What drew you to art and not another form of creative expression? 

As I mentioned earlier, my inherent curiosity has always driven me to explore various creative avenues. Art, for me, emerged as a medium through which I could effectively convey my personal experiences and perspectives. Its versatility and ability to capture emotions and stories resonated deeply with me, ultimately drawing me into its realm as a means of expression.

In what ways has your Ghanaian heritage shaped your work?

My work is deeply rooted in the rich cultural landscape of my people. It serves as a reflection of our heritage and tradition, which I strive to convey through my artistic expression. I believe that by capturing and documenting these aspects of our culture, I am contributing to its preservation and appreciation for future generations.

Who are some Ghanaian creatives of history or present that have inspired you? 

Looking at the older generation artists such as Serge Attukwei and James Bannor have inspired me. new creatives I'm inspired by the works of Nyahan Mensah and Nana Yaw Oduro whom I've collaborated with on some pieces in this exhibition.

Why do you think art coming out of Africa deserves to be respected? 

I believe that art originating from any country deserves to be respected and valued on its own merit. There should be no preferential treatment based on nationality, as art has the profound ability to broaden our perspectives and reshape our understanding of the world. Embracing diverse artistic voices enriches our cultural landscape.

How long did this exhibition take you to prepare?

This exhibition provides a retrospective glimpse into my creative journey from 2018 to 2024, showcasing the culmination of my ongoing work and preparation. It offers viewers a unique opportunity to delve into the evolution of my artistic expression during this period, offering insights into the themes, techniques, and narratives that have shaped my practice.

If you could summarise what this exhibition means to you in a short paragraph what would that be?

This exhibition holds immense personal significance for me. It serves as a retrospective journey through my creative periods, allowing viewers to witness the transitions and stories collected over time. It's a profound opportunity to reflect on my artistic evolution and share those moments with others.

Did you at any point feel lost in creation when making decisions regarding the exhibition or in creating the pieces? 

When it came to decision-making for the exhibition, the collaboration between myself and the curators made the process quite seamless. However, in the creation of the artworks, the process is more individualized and can span across various phases, each with its own unique challenges and considerations.

Lastly, If you had one piece of advice to young artists trying to find their path in the industry what would that be? 

Stay true to your artistic vision, experiment, and persist. Embrace growth and networking.