Emmanuel Asante migrated from Ghana West Africa to Australia 9 years ago and has been residing in Fairfield Western Sydney. He has always been passionate about pursuing art. Becoming an artist was something he fought for despite the doubters. His dream of becoming an artist became a reality once in Australia where he shares his artistic flare online and through workshops.
Biggest inspiration and artistic journey
Emmanuel’s passion for art started at an early age despite the lack of support from his parents and peers. His journey to become an artist was sparked by the support of his high school art teacher. “In my country being an artist wasn’t viewed as ideal, so I hid that part of me until I came to Australia” Emmanuel said. His art teacher supported his passion and disregarded comments stating there was no money in this work. He was urged to join art courses which showed him the many avenues available to express himself. When he was going through a dark time the same teacher told him to channel his emotions into his artwork. Emmanuel never stopped following his dreams and meeting Abdul Abdullah a famous Australian artist ignited this spark further. He was lucky his school organised students to be able to attend his studio and workshops where they could gain practical lessons.
Emmanuel’s Art process
His art practice examines and explores his identity as a young Ghanaian residing in Australia. The intended message he wants to convey is by comparing traditional Australian metaphors and symbols by instilling the visual experiences of storytelling. Emmanuel uses various mediums such as pens, pencils, coffee, watercolour, acrylic and African fabric to create his art pieces. These materials particularly the use of fabric play on the significance of African culture and fashion which circles back to his identity through his work.
Artistic Style
When picking a subject to draw he picks characters seen in films or musicians. Emmanuel says, “As artists, we struggle on what subjects we want to put all our hard work into”. The most asked question many artists struggle with is their style. This comes with time and practice but can still be a constant battle to completely know and understand a style. According to Emmanuel majority of the time it’s the audience who mentions what they’re drawn to and love about an artwork that determines the artists’ style. Emmanuel explains that certain paintings have the element of storytelling that is evoked by his personal stories. These paintings are either commissioned and done once or twice a year due to the prolonged planning process.
Evolution of style
Emmanuel states that his style has evolved a lot more compared to previous artworks. “Through practice, persistence and constructive criticism my art has grown in depth rather than falling flat”.
His work evolved as the elements of storytelling in his artworks weren’t as great as they are now. They are seemingly more striking to the viewer. “My artworks have evolved as I experience different life events and experimenting with various mediums while using old ones once again”. Emmanuel talked me through his new medium of interest. He mentioned he learnt from one of his mentors from The Refugee Art Project to paint with coffee. He explains that drawing the intended subject is the first step and then the use of coffee substitute paint. It’s a unique way to create art and get a reaction from an audience and a new medium to experiment in. While experimenting with new mediums he also took on drawing portraits of animals.
Audience takeaway
Emmanuel hopes his artworks showcase a sense of resilience, hope, love and unity. While sticking to his core purpose of fighting for what you love doing. “I want to break stereotypes as an African male artist that no matter your gender, upbringing or background you can participate in the world of art”.
Freelance workshop
As a freelance artist based in Western Sydney, he sometimes conducts workshops depending on the client’s request to create artwork. It is a collaborative experience where ideas are thrown around until one sticks. Once the decision is agreed upon, he begins to work on the art piece for months at a time.
Personal artistic elements
Emmanuel ensures the artworks he produces have an element of his lived experiences present. He often portrays his relationships through his work for the audience to decipher. “Viewers may need artistic literacy to understand the bigger picture presented in my paintings”. When it comes to his freestyle artworks it’s him more so honing his skills to improve in the art space.
Emmanuel’s favourite art piece
His favourite piece of artwork is called 8’oclock which he completed in 2019 during a dark time in his life. He found expressing his pain through his art therapeutic and freeing.
Sydney Short Film Festival
Emmanuel Asante who is to be featured in a short film festival held in Sydney, was delighted at the prospect viewers would be able to see his talent presented through film. “I have always wanted to enter the film space as I studied drama in high school and hope viewers get a sense of love, positivity and optimism through the short film”. He learnt being in front of the camera he needed to be confident, social and grow his ability to network to gain further relationships.
Sydney’s Short Film Festival presented by Welcome Merchant to be held on Thursday 27th of June. It features 6 talented merchants who identify themselves as refugees or persons seeking asylum showcasing their passions.
Tickets are now sold out.