Amtefe Kukubor, born in 1984, is an African artist working in the medium of acrylic on canvas. Depicting black figures involved with their routine and leisurely activities, Ametefe’s works are a response to memory, history and societal concerns. A lot of times the social set-up inevitably invokes our stability which pulls us away from responsibility, Ametefe figures in a way are a reaction to the social instability. It is rather a situation wherein your self-sustenance and satisfaction are more important than being concerned.
Ametefe has participated in several group and solo exhibitions. His recent Reflection: In Stages remarks on the socio-economic condition of the African region in Ghana. Delving into identities through history and sociology, the works reflect on inner turmoil and a solution to revert the condition. The oeuvre is a palpable influence of the surroundings and the places he has lived and worked in.
Having travelled to various vicinities of Accra, Ametefe has garnered diverse experiences which have shaped his art thinking process. Inevitably, the figures have delineated a new form and selection of drapery. Specifically, the paintings are a critical satire of the consumerist nature of contemporary society. A lot of his painting show figures deeply involved in their cell phones without staring back at the viewer. Such poses remind us of the realism movement of France, which in this case is a reaction to the society’s instability. Moreover, they are expressionist in nature, ready to embark on sharing bitter and sweet cultural phenomena.
Ametefe Kukobor lives and works in Ghana.