Vincent Akwete Kofi (1923–1974) was a
Ghanaian artist and academic known for his
modernist sculpture
Modern sculpture is generally considered to have begun with the work of Auguste Rodin, who is seen as the progenitor of modern sculpture. While Rodin did not set out to rebel against the past, he created a new way of building his works. He "dissol ...
, which was inspired by themes such as
Pan-Africanism and
decolonization. He was described as "Ghana's most important sculptor".
Early life and education
Vincent Akwete Kofi was born in
Odumasi-Krobo, Ghana on 16 January 1923.
He trained at
Achimota College
Achimota School ( /ɑːtʃimoʊtɑː/ ), formerly Prince of Wales College and School at Achimota, later Achimota College, now nicknamed Motown, is a co-educational boarding school located at Achimota in Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana. The schoo ...
, which had the first and foremost art department in
West Africa.
He also studied at the
Royal College of Art, London
The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a public research university in London, United Kingdom, with campuses in South Kensington, Battersea and White City. It is the only entirely postgraduate art and design university in the United Kingdom. It offer ...
(1952–1955), and attended
Columbia University, New York (1959). During his time in America, he visited the
Barnett-Aden Gallery
The Barnett-Aden Gallery was a nonprofit art gallery in Washington D.C. founded by James V. Herring and Alonzo J. Aden, who were associated with Howard University's art department and gallery. The gallery, which opened on October 16, 1943 and o ...
and its founder Alonzo Aden. He was painted by painter Alex Fournier.
While in New York, he learned
metal casting and, with the assistance of the
Harmon Foundation, produced a film on bronze casting.
Career and experience
Kofi's works were exhibited around Africa and Europe. He worked primarily in wood and his works drew upon the cultural traditions of Ghana's past.
When Kofi returned to Ghana he taught at the Winneba Teacher Training College (1961–1969) and was Head of Fine Art at the College of Art,
Kumasi (1969–1974).
Sculptures such as ''Awakening Africa'', ''Crucifix'' and ''Blackman's Stoicism'' were influenced by Kofi's interest in Pan-Africanism and decolonization.
Kofi and Ghanaian textile artist Charlotte Hagan co-owned the Kofhag Art Mart gallery and studio.
Kofi was a member of the Ghanaian delegation at the
First World Festival of Negro Arts
The World Festival of Black Arts (French: Festival Mondial des Arts Nègres), also known as FESMAN, is a month-long culture and arts festival that takes place in Africa. The festival features poetry, sculpture, painting, music, cinema, theatre, f ...
, Dakar, 1966, and in 1971 he visited India at the invitation of the Government.
Influence
The work of
Felix Eboigbe has been influenced by Kofi's sculptural dynamism.
El Anatsui was influenced in his early years by Kofi, and others such as
Oku Ampofo and
Kofi Antubam
Kofi Antubam, born in 1922, emerged as a trailblazing figure in the development of modern art in Ghana. His artistic journey commenced during his formative years, notably shaped by his education at Achimota School in the Gold Coast during the 1930s ...
, in their rejection of foreign influences and turn towards indigenous art forms.
According to US Government officials, Kofi was the Ghanaian artist who was best known internationally in the 1970s.
Personal life
Kofi married Felicia Korkor Djabatey (before 1946), in
Krobo, Kwaebibirem, Eastern, Ghana. They give birth to a daughter Janet Ayerko Kofi.
Kofi died on 31 July 1974.
External links
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References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kofi, Vincent
1923 births
1974 deaths
Alumni of Achimota School
Ghanaian artists
Columbia University alumni
Academic staff of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Ghanaian sculptors