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