Adjei Tawiah

Adjei Tawiah is a Ghanaian contemporary artist whose distinctive figurative practice transforms nylon sponge into vibrant, textured compositions. Based in Accra, Tawiah developed a technique he calls “Sponge Martial,” using the unconventional material to create expressive representations of the human figure. The practice is rooted in a deeply personal experience surrounding the cleansing of his mother’s body in a mortuary, transforming an encounter with loss into a broader meditation on renewal, memory, and hope.

The bright colours and tactile surfaces of Tawiah’s works reflect his belief in the possibility of light following periods of darkness. His figures emerge through layers of sponge, creating a visual language that is both materially distinctive and emotionally charged. Through this process, he seeks to communicate resilience and offer a sense of encouragement in moments of hardship.

Tawiah studied at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design in Accra and continues to live and work in the city, drawing inspiration from its people, communities, and everyday surroundings. His work has been exhibited extensively in Ghana and internationally, including exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles. His exhibition Self-Addressed was curated by artist Kehinde Wiley. His practice has also received international attention through publications including The New York Times and Flash Art, establishing Tawiah as a distinctive voice within contemporary Ghanaian art.