Serge Attukwei Clottey

Serge Attukwei Clottey, born in 1985 in Ghana, is an artist whose work is a captivating fusion of found materials, cultural history, and a deep connection to his hometown of Accra, Ghana.

Serge Attukwei Clottey's Art Style

Clottey's artistic palette revolves around everyday objects sourced from the bustling streets of Accra, giving them new life and meaning in the context of his art. He takes discarded Kufuor gallons, car tires, and recycled boat wood and transforms them into canvases that engage in a profound dialogue with Accra's rich cultural history and identity.

What sets Clottey's work apart is his ability to elevate these ordinary materials into symbols of Ghana's vernacular economic system, characterized by principles of trade and reuse. Using these materials as his canvas, Clottey adorns them with intricate patterns and text, inviting viewers to explore the interconnectedness of culture, history, and economic survival.

One of the most prominent motifs in Clottey's art is the celebration of yellow gallon containers. Originally designed for cooking oil, these containers are repurposed by Ghanaians to collect water or fuel, embodying the spirit of resourcefulness and adaptability. Clottey's work aims to inspire people to find creative ways to work with plastics and promote recycling — a practice he has aptly termed 'Afrogallonism.'

Intriguingly, Clottey's approach to figuration in his art evokes echoes of Western Cubist portraiture, a genre deeply influenced by the formal elements found in traditional African sculpture. This amalgamation of influences and artistic techniques creates a unique tapestry that speaks to Clottey's commitment to reshaping Ghana's cultural narrative.