The first set of canvases that we shine a light on are those of Ghanaian born artist, Innocent. His meticulous precision when merging smooth curves and sharp lines, has created a set of canvases that tell the universal story of the modern adult trapped in a monotonous cycle of work and domestic life. I first discovered Innocent’s work in 2019 on instagram. I instantly fell in love with his uniquely understated paintings of black and brown featureless figures performing mundane tasks; chillin' on a bed, working at the office table.
Sharp lines and smooth curves meticulously carved with a paint brush, carefully placed and overlaid to create a depiction of a mundane moment in time.
The colour palettes were simple and muted. However the geometric precision- immaculate. Sharp lines and smooth curves meticulously carved with a paint brush, carefully placed and overlaid to create a depiction of a mundane moment in time. It was cleverly simple yet meticulously precise. The lack of expression in the character’s faces alluded to the idea of that state of contemplation that one experiences when performing a monotonous activity that induces almost vacantness. The subjects seemed to be saying so much without saying anything at all. Genius. I was in love. Quickly I made enquiries and then purchases. Four pieces for the collection. Jackpot!
After two brilliant collections centred around the domestic space and the office, Innocent's work began to transform. The next phase was a series of digital images of caricatures, again with the same emphasis on featureless figures constructed with curves and lines. However, this time there was something almost comical or satirical about the moments they were acting out. I remember enlarged feet and a dog biting at a trainer. Again, understated but oh so clever. Following this came black line drawings, of similar scenarios to those of the first series of digital art.
In the beginning of June 2020, I noticed that his instagram page had been cleared and the portfolio building process had begun again. Thankfully, with what seems like a resurrection of his earlier paintings that I first fell in love with. This made me smile, but my bank balance wince; knowing that a flurry of purchases were on the horizon.
Having noted this transition, I felt it important to contact Innocent to ask him to share his story. I wanted him to shed some light on his process of inventing an artist identity. What did he believe was most important when framing oneself as an artist? How did he perceive his art? and who was his intended audience? As well as this, I wanted to know more about the featureless figures in his paintings. Who were they? What were they saying? Who were they speaking to? All these questions and more I will pose to him during Creative speak!
To find out more about Kpe Innocent, check out his Creative Bio.
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