Stephen Abban Junior

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 

The passage of time and the potential for societal amnesia motivates his efforts to bridge the gap between aging and history, reminding us of the importance of cultural preservation Cultural assimilation and appropriation are significant agents that can affect cultures both  positively and negatively. Through mythologica narratives from African folklores, palm wine music, and proverbs, he sparks a dialogue between tradition and modernity by introducing techniques from various visual art forms to redefine Ghanaian oral traditions into visual expressions. Using mixed media, he blends natural elements such as burlap, soil, and water with ink and acrylic to visually represent his oral culture. 

Abban’s artistic journey began with a childhood memory challenge that ushered his preservation of stories and lessons told by his parents. He found solace in drawing on the walls of his mother’s bedroom, turning them into a canvas of recollection. He creates visual and psychological sensations that transport viewers to the depths of cultural collective memory. He believes that by delving into our cultural foundations, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.