Larry Achiampong is a contemporary Ghanaian British artist known for his innovative and thought-provoking approach to art, often exploring themes of identity, culture, and the intersection of technology and humanity.
His work spans various media, including video, installation, and performance, allowing him to engage with audiences in diverse ways. He blends personal narrative and collective memory, often drawing on his Ghanaian heritage while addressing broader socio-political issues and raising important questions about the legacies of colonialism.
Using digital media Achiampong creates immersive experiences that challenge traditional notions of representation and storytelling. His installations often incorporate sound, video projections, and interactive components, drawing viewers into a dialogue about the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world. This engagement is not just visual but experiential, prompting reflection on how viewers relate to the themes presented.
Pan African flag for The Relic Travellers Alliance
Achiampong’s work is also notable for its playful yet poignant commentary on contemporary issues. He employs humour and irony, juxtaposing seemingly disparate elements to provoke thought and discussion. For instance, his use of pop culture references alongside traditional motifs creates a rich tapestry that speaks to both individual and collective experiences. Achiampong invites viewers to reconsider their assumptions about culture, belonging, religion, and the impact of technology on our lives, making his art resonate with a wide audience.
He is known for his major public commissions for Somerset House and Transport for London, works that focus on Pan-African histories and futures, including flags and colour representation. He is currently represented by Copperfield Gallery, London.
I'm really excited to have partnered with The Open University for this film, which gives intimate insight into my practice.
Education has always meant an incredible amount to me.
Having been raised, along with my siblings by a single mother from Ghana, who hadn’t been given the opportunities that education provides, means I can recognise the value of an institution that aspires to make education accessible for all regardless of background or experience.
The idea of creating an institution of this nature must have at one point seemed almost impossible and yet over 50 years later it has educated more people than any other institution in the UK and I feel that aligns with the core message of my book If It Don't Exist, Build It.
I look forward to continuing to engage with those organisations and communities that foster alternative spaces of education, as the discussions and ideas generated help drive my practice and without which, I might not be where I am today.
Head over to MK Gallery to find out more about their latest news and exhibitions.
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