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Amarkine Amarteifio

“My name is Amarkine Amarteifio, I was born in Kokomlemle (an Accra suburb) on the 21st of February 1963. I discovered my passion for art very early in life -- I guess I must have been around the five or six years old. Fortunately, my parents were very encouraging though looking back it was quite daring on their part. The prevailing attitude in those early Sixties was in favor of science, whereas art -- artists for that matter -- did not enjoy any social recognition. During most of my school days friends used to call me The Artist. In retrospect, I suppose this helped me realize my life’s calling. I studied Art at the University where I graduated with a First Class Honors Degree and subsequently I obtained a Masters Degree in African Art. I have been dedicated to painting fulltime since 1992.

“Many great artists have influenced my work including the American artist Kandinsky, with his action painting or 'Abstract Expressionism,’ Professor Ablade Glover, a Ghanaian artist and last but not least Salvador Dali influenced me with his surrealism.

“I consider art to a way of cultivating and bringing out the soul of life for it affords me the opportunity to interact with people at a very deep level. In my numerous exhibits both in Ghana and abroad, I have had the opportunity to share my culture and experiences with many people.

“I reckon the ability to dream up images in order to create new realities is crucial to the future of our world. Whenever I pick up my brush or palette knife, I know I am contributing towards the creation of a better world, and it’s always a joy to do so. I paint themes that excite me and these vary according to my mood. I paint nature and also abstract phenomena, such as my ‘Millennium’ series. For me, painting is all about the satisfaction and excitement that is inherent in the creative process. In the choice of both theme and style, I concentrate on what reflects my innermost sensibilities.

“I held my first major exhibit in 1985. After my Master's Degree, I exhibited my work at Furnart, a furniture showroom in Labone, a suburb of Accra but before the opening ceremony half of my paintings were already sold out! Occasionally I hold exhibitions outside the country. In 1999 I exhibited some of my paintings in London at the Africa Center, and later at the Forbes Gallery at Battersea. In 1998, I had four important exhibitions, one in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and three in the USA including: Guest Artist for the 1998 Indiana Black Expo; the Indianapolis Arts Center; and Arts Garden Indianapolis.

“My efforts were rewarded when I was voted Artist of the Year by ACRAG (Arts Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana) in 1999. I am also a member of the Ghana Association of Visual Artists.”