VILLAZAN is happy to announce an exhibition by the internationally acclaimed artist Isshaq Ismail that will be on view next year, 2023. His work draws inspiration from his hometown Accra, in fact in 2015 and 2016 Kuenyehia Art Prize for Contemporary Ghanaian Arts named him one of Ghana's ten most outstanding artists.

Isshaq Ismail's work draws inspiration from his hometown Accra

Ismail is a multidisciplinary artist who is both a visual artist, collaborator and filmmaker. Although in his childhood art was not present, it ended up becoming a way to make polemic statements regarding issues such as politics, society and culture. Influenced by artists such as Basquiat, Francis Bacon and sensations such as passion and fun, the artist draws 'grotesque' figures showing in them an honesty, rawness and authenticity. In the artist's own words "Life is not perfect, so I don't see why I need to create perfect forms".

In the artist's own words "Life is not perfect, so I don't see why I need to create perfect forms".

Ismail's faces break all norms through color, form and strong emotions. They are not just African or Western protagonists. They are human beings, who go on with their lives no matter what happens to them and ultimately experience the same emotions: pain, happiness, sadness and despair are universal. The artist makes a visual statement about how we have more similarities than differences.

Ismail's faces break all norms through color, form and strong emotions. They are not just African or Western protagonists. They are human beings