Stephen Abban Junior

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Stephen Abban Junior (b.1992) is a Ghanaian illustrator and a multidisciplinary artist currently working and living in Sekondi-Takoradi and a native of Mankessim, in the Central Region of Ghana. Abban studied visual arts in high school, holds a BTECH in Studio Practice from the Takoradi Technical University, and was awarded an Erasmus international exchange program by the European Commission in Hungary - Europe to study visual representation (Fine Art) at Eszterhazy Karoly University in Eger- Hungary. He has also exhibited in numerous international Art Exhibitions and Fairs, including the Mauritius International Art Fair (MIAF). 

ARTIST STATEMENT His artistic journey began with a childhood memory challenge, sparking a deep connection with the act of visually preserving stories and lessons imparted by my parents. He finds solace in drawing on the walls of my mother’s bedroom, turning them into a canvas of recollections. His oeuvres now revolve around the exploration and representation of Ghanaian and African folk histories. Through the use of mixed media, by weaving together various natural elements: burlap, soil, and water. By intertwining these organic materials with inorganic mediums like ink and acrylic, he seeks to capture a profound sense of antiquity and evoke powerful emotions in the minds of viewers. The passage of time and the potential for societal amnesia fascinate me. In his art, he aims to bridge the gap between aging and history, reminding us of the importance of cultural preservation. By blending the temporal nature of natural elements with the enduring qualities of inorganic mediums, he creates visual and psychological sensations that transport viewers to the depths of our collective past. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant narratives of Ghanaian and African heritage, He strive to spark a dialogue between tradition and modernity. He believes that by delving into our cultural foundations, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.  

EDUCATION

 2019 -2023 BTECH Studio Practice, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana

 2020 -2021 EXCHANGE, BFA Visual Representation, Eszterhazy Karoly University, Hungary

 2016 -2019     HND Commercial Art (Painting), Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana