/Emmanuel Opoku
Emmanuel Opoku
Fountain
Inspired by: Unknown artist, Yellow Amber Beads Evelyn Rydz, Gulf Pile John Willis, Recycled Realities 1
found objects: shower pipe, shower heads, broken fan, and wooden stool
34″ x 25″ x 24″
2020
My sculpture explores the role of the found objects in contemporary art and in a global context. Growing up in a Ghana, there were electronics and appliance shops everywhere, but despite these sources for commodity exchange, there was always a belief that all broken objects still have value. As an artist, I incorporate this viewpoint into my practice. My nostalgic memories are transformed into a continuous experience with everyday objects, whereby I navigate issues of commodity and utility by weaving and joining objects. Inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain 1917 as well as Constantin Brancusi’s shiny sculptures, the piece investigates culture as a form of reflection. Inspired by Giacomo Balla’s Dynamics of Boccioni’s Fist, 1914, the work suggests my understanding of cultural dynamism as a diasporic artist, and how space and time shape identity. The use of sarcasm in terms of how Duchamp and Brancusi considered form, critically informs my sculptures.
@emmanuelmanuopokuart
Emmanuel Opoku
Artist
Oil on canvas
24″ x 18″
2022
The painting explores the dialogue between art, artist, and the viewer. I am interested in the fact that an artist plays a significant social role between the art and the viewer. The silicon tube suggests diversity – a sense of gluing and embracing multiple elements of art, styles, and cultures.
_opokuemmanuel
A Trip To Times Square
acrylic on canvas
52″ x 52″
2022
American Graduate
oil on canvas
46″ x 36″
2024
At Somewhere
acrylic on canvas
52″ x 52″
2021
Different Views
acrylic on canvas
40″ x 30″
2023
Discovery
acrylic on canvas
48″ x 40″
2022
In the Process of Understanding
doorknobs, kitchen sink, infant stoke, shower pipe, and duct tape
38″ x 34″ x 18″
2021
Jacuzzi Bathers
oil on canvas
88″ x 52″
2023
Linguist 1
chair, bamboo curtain rod, ice scraper, measuring scale, compass, wooden spoon, basket, candlestick, steel wire
61″ x 22″ x 19″
2021
Linguist 2
wooden can opener, cup holder, bike light, candle holder, lamp holder, feather, steel wire
61″ x 22″ x 18″
2021
Mixer
oil on canvas
48″ x 36″
2023
Mother and Daughter
oil on canvas
58″ x 54″
2023
New Father
oil on canvas
48″ x 36″
2023
Person In The Mirror
acrylic on canvas
40″ x 40″
2021
Professional
vacuum, sisal twist, plastic hair rollers, comb, tie, safety glasses, super glue bottle, pair of shoes
47″ x 22″ x 17″
2021
Self-Portrait of the Artist in Night Robe
oil on canvas
40″ x 30″
2022
Spare Me Your Lies
kettle, blender, yarn, artificial hair, tooth brush and glue
2022
Tea Woman
oil on canvas
52″ x 30″
2023
Emmanuel Opoku
Good Listener
oil on canvas
18″ x 24″ inches
2022
As a contemporary artist, I employ inspirations particularly from the surrealist technique – an involvement of juxtaposition with which I navigate my diasporic experience relating to uncertainties and forms of cultural assimilation. I consider photography as the initial stage of my paintings, and I understand photography as the means to present my body as an object. My portrait navigates the mysteries of identity that are shaped by time, space, and multiple experiences. The work expresses the status of and the values of the individual in the picture as well as expanding their autobiographical narratives and emphasizing the personal qualities.
emmanuelmanuopokuart
Emmanuel Opoku
Portrait With Yaw Owusu
oil painting on canvas
52″ x 38″
2022
This work explores my friendship and the study of Yaw Owusu, a New York based contemporary artist who makes coins art. The bow tie suggests Yaw’s diligence and careful treatment of the coins he uses for his art. Yaw’s friendliness is expressed in his smiling teeth- a creative manipulation of coins ambitiously producing splendid artwork. In the painting, I stand next to Yaw with a leaf blower juxtaposed with a broccoli to implicate my status as an artist that takes smaller ideas and blows that into critical forms of art, and have consistency in creativity as Yaw Owusu.
@emmanuelmanuopokuart