Artist Series: Emmanuel Ofori
Emmanuel 'Manny' Ofori is a professional mixed media artist whose innovative and culturally uplifting creations are challenging the influence of Westernization in the world of art and beauty.
This month we’ve been lucky to have Emmanuel “Manny” Ofori showcase his bright, colorful, and culturally connective artwork. It truly is a joy to look at every day.
By combining African motifs, symbols, fabrics and patterns with Western imagery and ideas, Emmanuel illustrates the bridging of the gap between both worlds. The final product reclaiming, redefining, and elevating "what is gallery worthy art?" a space that has traditionally been controlled by Western gatekeepers and tastemakers.
We caught up with Manny to learn more about him, his artwork, and his creative process…
Tell us about your early experiences with art, or creativity in general:
From an early age, I always had a connection with art. I remember my uncle showing me how to draw a drum when I was a kid in Ghana, and from that moment on I was hooked. That connection to art deepened when I moved to America. It became a way for me to cope with my surroundings as well as a way to express myself.
When did you start seriously pursuing art as a career? Was there a particular “aha” moment?
With hard work and dedication, I won the Scholastic American Vision Award during my senior year of high school, and the SUNY Best In Show Award when I was a sophomore in college. Winning these awards made me realize this could actually be a viable career path for me.
The concept of “reclaiming” takes on many meanings in your work. Can you share with us the meaning of that word for you, especially within the context of your work?
Reclaiming to me means finding value or seeing the beauty in the neglected. For instance, I use discarded materials like plywood in my work. Plywood is considered an everyday construction material, but seen from a different perspective it can create beautiful, intricate patterns and designs.
You’ve described the experience of bridging your experiences in both American and African culture as “cathartic.” Can you speak a bit more about that?
My process involves incorporating, or bridging, all different aspects of my art techniques, leading to the creation of something truly unique. It also is meaningful for to be able to depict people of my complexion in my work—people that are typically not shown in the art world.
Emmanuel’s artwork is currently on display at the Underwear Factory in Poughkeepsie, through the end of February!
