An E-interview: 😊
I recently met Stephan Abban Junior, a talented Ghanaian visual historian, through an online platform. His captivating works bring Ghana’s rich history to life. Our e-interview revealed his inspirations, techniques, and dedication to preserving heritage through art. His passion left me inspired and eager to share his story.
E-Interview started on Saturday 5p.m (online)
Akosua: Good evening, Stephen. How are you?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Good evening. Akosua papa bi 😆
Akosua: You are welcome to poetessakosua.wordpress.com blog. 😊
Stephen Abban Jnr: With life everything is possible.. nothing to complain about. What about you?
Akosua: Well, I have been stressed lately. so i decided to take myself out today. A little staycation.
Stephen Abban Jnr: Awww… You will dive through. It is part of the journey.
Akosua: Anyways, I chanced on your works, and I was mesmerised by what I saw! I must say, you are gifted!
Stephen Abban Junior: Sometimes, I don’t wish my ears will hear these compliments because my spirit has been having grudges with my ear telling him he isn’t done yet.. more and more to feed the world 😂 By the way, thank you.
Akosua: 😃🙂
Akosua: I would like you to demystify this quote on your IG status: 👇👇👇👇👇👇
Stephen Abban Jnr: Awwwww… Ok
That quote was transcribed from an Akan proverb,”Opanin wu a na nimdeɛ asa” and it tells about the importance of our elderly, they’re the seat of Wisdom and that reminds us to talk tap the best from them when they are alive…Else, there will be no more such knowledge when gone. So, the passing of an elder is a loss of information. After taping such knowledge( oral tradition ), how do you keep it? Are we going to stick to the old or their way of knowledge transfer? That brings us to my practice.
Akosua: Before we delve deeper into your practice, Your name, Stephen Abban Junior, tells us that there is a Senior… If I am not mistaken.
Stephen Abban Jnr: As you’ve guessed. Yes, my Dad is Stephen Abban, but the “senior.”
Akosua: Can you share more about your background and how growing up in Mankessim influenced your work as a Visual historian?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Mmmnnn… That’s going to be an episode of memories 😂
Akosua: You can summarise it for my readers. 😄
Stephen Abban Jnr: I was born in Mankessim, Enyan-maim in the Central Region of Ghana. In class 2, my talent was discovered by Mr. Tetteh, a teacher and mural artist, who saw my creative skills and had me sketch on school walls. My uncle supported me by buying sketchbooks, and my early drawings are still on my mother’s walls. At 12, I moved to Oda in the Eastern Region to live with my step-mum and dad, continuing my education and art. I attended St. Anthony Primary and JHS in Oda, then Winneba Senior High School, where I studied Visual Arts despite initially avoiding it. But my JHS teachers selected my courses and schools. I am also interested in agriculture so I think because of my interest in agriculture, most of my works have foliage and trees in there. So from Winneba Senior High School, I proceeded to Takoradi Technical University, and I studied commercial arts (painting).
Akosua: Anyway, with your visual arts background, did you envision going far with Arts? Do you see it as lucrative as a career to pursue fully?
Stephen Abban Jnr: As a child, I was very creative in electrical works and arts, though I had no specific career aspirations. Being self-dependent was an essential part of my growth. I used my creative skills to support myself. In Senior High School, my dad gave me 15 cedis and told me to make something of myself. In senior high school, I started a small business – making of notepads and portraits. I promised myself that I would pursue art for life. After high school, I continued with arts, doing apprenticeships, sculpture, and small contracts, as well as staying true to my promise.
Akwakra Dua Kube
Akosua: Let’s unravel your journey through your illustration process.
Can you describe your artistic process and the mediums you enjoy working with the most?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Okay, so my artistic practice focuses on visually representing our oral history, encompassing our culture, norms, and values. I achieve this through various media, including canvas, painting, and mixed media. The materials I choose hold historical significance. Burlap fabric, for instance, played a crucial role in the world economy as a durable sack for transporting commodities like cocoa and cashews from one place to another. I also use preservatives to protect these materials from external conditions.
My intention is to transport our morals, preserve traditions, and breathe life into our past histories and culture. The transformative process begins with preparing the material—priming it to receive the ideas or concepts I want to project. I create a strong foundation to support other attached materials. Earth colors, reminiscent of antiquity, evoke a sense of value and psychological depth for the audience.
Drawing inspiration from Christian perspectives on creation, including humans and living things, I approach my work like a farmer preparing land for cultivation. Just as proper soil preparation ensures a healthy crop yield, I meticulously prime burlap fabric. With the use of permanent marker project contrast against the background emphasizes the evolution and a way to permanently keep our history.
gyam hon.
Akosua: Wow! This is something else! And how do you decide which specific aspects of your culture and history to represent in your artworks?
Stephen Abban Jnr: My inspiration stems from palm wine music ( Agya koo nimo, Kwaw mensah, Nana Kwame Ampadu, and the likes)—a form of music that served multiple purposes. Beyond its entertainment value, it was a means of transmitting information, sharing knowledge, and creating awareness. However, its significance extends further: it serves as a vessel for preserving our oral history.
Imagine listening to palm wine music. If you’re not attentive, you might miss the subtle nuances—the layers of meaning woven into each note. Similarly, my interest lies in unearthing fragments of history. I find myself drawn to the past, like an old soul seeking connection.
As a child (and even now), people perceive me as an old man. Perhaps it’s the wisdom they see in my eyes or the charisma I exude. Regardless, I embrace this perception because it aligns with my passion. Old things, historical artifacts, and the stories they hold—they captivate me.
So, how do I contribute to preserving the past? Through my art, I strive to immortalize our history. Just as palm wine music carries echoes of generations, my work becomes a vessel—a way to safeguard our heritage. It’s my humble attempt to save the past, one stroke at a time.
In summary, my interest and purpose at that particular period or moment.
Akosua: I love this part. “Just as palm wine music carries echoes of generations, my work becomes a vessel….”
Stephen, has anyone told you you speak so well?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Eeeeiiii…😄😄 i am yet to hear this, because i hardly publicize my voice. Always behind the text.
Akosua: Or should I say, you write well since this is an E-interview on poetessakosua.wordpress.com 😆
Akosua: On 2nd February this year, at Brix 1588, Franklin Detroit, you were featured as one of the visual historians at Riverfront. How did you feel about this?
Stephen Abban Jnr: It’s fulfilling when the burlap fabric does its job of transferring knowledge to an international audience.
Akosua: Who are some of the artists or mentors that have influenced your artistic journey?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Ms. Marlene Ware, Mr. Patrick tagoe – Turkson, Mr. Tettey Arko, Rikki Wemega Kwawu, Ebenezer Akinola, Charles white, Jean charlot and Diego Rivera.
Akosua: What specific project or piece are you particularly proud of and the story behind it?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Mmmnnn 🤔…There are lots, but i will go for “The Narrative of Bonwire Kente.” But “Akusika” is one painstaking project that lasted for 3 years before completing 😂😂😂. Measuring 33.4 feet. Crazy
Akusika- The tragedy of her. birth.
Akosua: The Narrative of Bonwire Kente sounds like an intriguing choice! The artistry and history behind Bonwire Kente are captivating, which gives a voice to the Ghanaian culture and heritage. The fact that “Akusika” took three years to complete and measures 33.4 feet is astonishing! 🌟❤️❤️🌟
Stephen Abban Jnr: Yes… Well said!
Akosua: I spotted this piece as one of my favourites. 👇👇👇👇
.
Stephen Abban Jnr: Really?
I said it 😂 One man’s meat is another man’s poison.One of the works i dislike after creating
Akosua: Let’s say, I want to purchase this particular one. How much will it go for?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Asɛm aba 😂😂😂
Akosua: Lol oh why? I hope you will sell it to me though.
Stephen Abban Jnr: I think I am “crazy”. I get scared anytime someone asks to acquire any of my pieces. Why? It’s like giving your child in care of someone.
Akosua: Ohhh, i am hearing this for the first time. Does it mean you don’t market and sell your works?
Stephen Abban Jnr: But yet… My world value, this piece shouldn’t be less than $5000.00, but spiritual value is priceless.
Akosua: Does it mean you don’t market and sell your works?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Awwww…. Not really focused on the selling but if it strikes the right soul, i do in a painstaking decision. 🥲 This publication will hit paaaa…. Trust me.
Akosua: I trust you
Akosua: Meaning, your works are just a hobby for showcasing now?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Hobby will be the wrong word to describe it. A task or mission of saving our narratives.
Akosua: Making an impact is your focus?
But with the current economic hardship in Ghana, how do you get your daily income for survival?
Or aside this, are you working for income somewhere else?
Stephen Abban Jnr: 😄😄
That describes my Craziness.
I am a full time artist but i leave according to my budget. No unnecessary expenses. Trying to build the historic safe.
I do sell other pieces for normal survival but i know a time will come for a bounty harvest.
Akosua: That’s beautiful to know. I pray you go far with this mindset.
Akosua: How has living and working in Sekondi-Takoradi been so far?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Serene environment with less economic destruction, keeping me focused on this voyage.
Akosua: What are some of the challenges you face as a contemporary artist in Ghana, and how do you overcome them?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Mmnnnn… I personally don’t have any challenges or obstacles that i can’t overcome in this contemporary era. But what i will say is the means of transportation within the country has to be given attention.
Since the largest percentage of Art Galleries are situated in the Capital, some Art enthusiasts or Artists outside or within Accra find difficulties in attending or visiting because of the limited means of transportation. “Time is money”.
Akosua: Considering the transportation challenges you’ve mentioned, what solutions or improvements do you think could be implemented to make art galleries more accessible to everyone?
Stephen Abban Jnr: A quick transportation systems…
Akosua: Your point about transportation affecting access to art galleries is valid.
One of my artists’ interviewees also mentioned the same
Stephen Abban Jnr: Yes. Sometimes we look at the time factor..
Akosua: What projects or themes are you currently exploring in your work?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Mmɛbusɛm (proverbs) and Anansesɛm (Ghanaian folklore).
Akosua: Where do you see your artistic journey taking you in the next few years?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Diving into three-dimensional forms ( sculpture) for the viewers to have direct contact. Possibly an Anansesɛm museum 😁 and I am proud to say that I was awarded an Erasmus scholarship by the European Commission to Study Visual representation in Egér – Hungary.
Akosua: 🥳🥳🥳 Woow! This is a great Testimony!.
Akosua: Can you tell us about any upcoming exhibitions or collaborations you are excited about?
Stephen Abban Jnr: Let’s anticipate my Solo exhibition with Akwaaba Gallery.
Akosua: Who is this Visual Historian, Stephen Abban Junior?
Stephen Abban Jnr: This guy😂
Akosua: 😂😂😂
Stephen Abban Jnr: He is the definition of focus and determination.
Akosua: In what ways do you continue to develop and challenge yourself as an artist?
Stephen Abban Jnr: I always like surprising my soul… embarking on highly abnormal approaches and dimensions in my practice. Especially the choice of subjects and size of surface.
Akosua: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists in Ghana and around the world?
Stephen Abban Jnr: One phrase. Exercise patience ✅
Akosua: Exercise patience 💪
Can you share a particularly memorable reaction or feedback you’ve received from someone who viewed your works?
Stephen Abban Jnr: “Ooowww my God. Who’s the Artist? And i came in… Silently. They point at me.” She was like… How?
I don’t look like an artist and I am smallish for such a huge work 😂😂😂.. Akusika, a response at The museum of Science and technology.
Akosua: This got me laughing hard! 😃 I literally said the same after scanning through your illustrations on IG
Stephen Abban Jnr: Yes 😄… And you will project the same reaction when you see me.
Akosua: I’m sure I will.
Akosua: Among the various mediums you work with (paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, mixed media, prints), which do you find most fulfilling?
Akosua: Choose one
Stephen Abban Jnr: Drawing.
Akosua: Aaand it’s a wrap! We bring our E-interview to an end!
Stephen Abban Jnr: Medaasé paaa (Thank you)
Akosua: Stephen Abban Junior, I must say, it’s been fun doing this with you.
Stephen Abban Jnr: Likewise.. at least i know someone thinks about my practice and is willing to voyage with me.
Akosua: Awwwn
I am pretty sure a lot of people admire and love what you do!
Keep on!
Host: Linda Amoni (Poetess Akosua)
Guest: Stephen Abban Junior (Ghanaian Visual Historian Artist).
Some of Stephen’s Works
Is a Ghanaian proverbial phrase that means our drunkenness does not suppress our intellect.
That’s a profound proverb! It emphasizes that despite being
intoxicated, our intellect and reasoning remain intact. It speaks to the idea that temporary states or circumstances
don’t define our inherent wisdom or intelligence.
SIZE: 60’’x 40” / 152.4 cm x 101.6 cm
MEDIUM: Mixed-Media; Ink, Acrylic and soil on primed
burlap fabric
ARTIST: Stephen Abban Junior
YEAR: 2024
AKWAKRA DUA KUBE
With inspiration from Agya Koo Nimo, a Ghanaian palm-wine musician, one of his musical compositions, “An Old Man plant
coconut “. This piece houses the narrative of an old man who planted coconut in his garden at a very old age. The granddaughter marveled at the sight, having in mind that the old man will not live to enjoy its fruit. She asked. The grandfather responded; am planting this coconut for the future generation.
The granddaughter holds a tablet with an inscription written in the Adinkra writing system. Which
translates to “ why is this old man planting coconut at his age?
TITLE: Akwakra dua kube translates to “ Old man plant
coconut“
SIZE: 60’’x 40” / 152.4 cm x 101.6 cm
MEDIUM: Mixed-Media; Ink, Acrylic, and soil on primed
burlap fabric
ARTIST: Stephen Abban Junior
YEAR: 2023
Reach out to Stephen Abban Jnr through the following medium:
The Poetess Akosua 
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