Transcendent

Adarkwa, Ghana

I am Joshua Adarkwa,a Ghanaian-based artist exploring the complexities of human emotions through portraiture. Inspired by the intersection of abstraction and realism. I believe that art has the power to challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful conversations. Through my paintings, I seek to spark dialogue about identity,anxiety, race, straggle , and the complexities of human emotions. The faces I paint represent not only the individuals portrayed but also serve as a mirror reflecting the collective struggles, triumphs, and resilience of black people. I like exploring the emotional state of black people's minds and bringing them to light. I believe everyone has emotional conflicts that we deal with in our everyday lives. Which is the second part of our world that we desperately try to conceal from those around us. But the truth is, we are all bonded together by the unspoken threads of loneliness, a universal human experience that echoes through every soul. It is the hunting realization that, no matter how crowded our lives may seem, there comes a point when we are left alone with our thoughts, facing the darkest corners of our minds. Drawing inspiration from the fusion of abstraction and realism, with the aim to capture the essence of blackness beyond the surface. Combining dark colors to lay the foundation for each piece. I use bold and expressive brushstrokes to build up details on canvas by applying bit by bit with layers of thick acrylic paint of how fast it dries.. As the image emerges, I meticulously infuse it with the emotions and stories that I want to convey. The process of creation itself becomes a journey of exploration and self- discovery, mirroring the journey of self-acceptance and empowerment that many black individuals undergo. My subjects often come from my immediate environment, acquaintances, or individuals I come across through media channels. But I also find joy in creating my own subjects, as it allows me to transcend the boundaries of reality and delve into the realms of imagination., I explore the interplay of colors and textures to evoke emotion and depth in my pieces. Each artwork takes on a life of its own, guiding me through a journey of discovery and introspection. My creative process is an act of surrender, as I allow the colors and forms to lead me towards the final expression of the subject's essence. A central drive in my art is to prompt viewers to tap into their personal emotions and experiences, including pain, struggle, and societal expectations placed on black individuals. The tired and warm gaze meet the viewer’s gaze directly or turn away from the stare, in both instances preserving an aura of mystery that forestalls transparent availability to the viewer. Despite the private nature of these figures, I aims for my work to be in dialogue with the audience, drawing them into a word behind the false mask and challenging the society and the viewer to confront internal conflict. I hope my art seeks to challenge viewers, encouraging them to draw upon their emotions and personal experiences and to create a space for dialogue and empathy. Here, viewers can engage with the emotions and stories depicted on the canvas.