PORTFOLIO – 55.

WILLIAM ADZRAKU- UNDER THE RADAR.

By Christophe Fitih.

Art, like any talent, could be developed either through formal education or otherwise.   

William Kwaku Adzraku, is largely a self-taught artist with just a little formal art education.  

A Ghanaian, born on the 16th February, 1966, he started showing signs of his artistic ability as early as when he was 10 years old. He was among a group of children who would draw anything on any available space like walls, school desks, in their exercise books and even on their school uniforms. 

INVISIBLE HAND: William Adzraku, acrylic in canvas, 36 x 48 in, 2017; signed lower left. Courtesy of the artist.

This sometimes attracted punishment, however, he defied all odds, nurtured and turned his childhood passion into a profession.

William who lives and works in Accra, Ghana, began his professional journey in 1994.  

MOTHER’S LOVE: William Adzraku, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48 in, 2017, signed lower left. Courtesy of the artist.

His knowledge of painting and decorating geared him to experiment with several mediums, primarily on flower pots and on canvas. Over the years, his focus shifted mainly onto the canvas since those works started receiving artistic and commercial attention.

In 1995 he had the opportunity to feature in a group exhibition at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra. This opened doors for other exhibitions in the US, Europe and other parts of Africa. 

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST: William Adzraku, oil on canvas, 47 x 59 in, 2018; signed lower left. Private collection.

He was one of the three artists invited to hold an exhibition in South Africa to commemorate the Ghana @50 celebration. 

William develops themes around religious and social issues which give beautiful insights into everyday life. 

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: William Adzraku, oil on canvas, 54 x 100 in, signed. Private collection.

His paintings (oil or acrylic on canvas) have a unique identity and have been followed and collected by private collectors over the years. They include elements ofabstraction and impressionism.

Following a long break from active painting and exhibition, William is announcing his return with a body of work for an exhibition.

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