Technical Advisor
Brief info
Edwin Kwesi Bodjawah is a distinguished academic and artist, currently serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. He is also the Coordinator of the KNUST Museum. Holding a PhD in Painting and Sculpture, his academic journey spans decades. He has earlier degrees in fine arts and a robust history of leadership roles, including Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Art and Head of multiple departments.
Bodjawah’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in Ghanaian cultural traditions, enriched by contemporary global perspectives. Early in his career, he gained recognition for his genre scenes reflecting urban African life, employing techniques like antique-finish cold cast for his sculptures. A transformative period in his work emerged after engaging with contemporary art discourse, leading him to repurpose materials and objects with significant socio-cultural histories. His pieces often critique colonial and economic legacies, exploring themes of identity and heritage.
As an educator and mentor, Bodjawah has been instrumental in shaping Ghana's artistic landscape. He co-founded blaxTARLINES, an art incubator affiliated with KNUST, which fosters collaboration between artists, institutions, and the global art community. His efforts have enhanced the visibility and development of fine art education and practice locally and internationally, including partnerships with organizations like the Tate Modern, Smithsonian Institution, and Bamako Biennale.
Bodjawah is also a prolific writer and researcher, contributing extensively to art history, contemporary art, and education. His works have been showcased in prominent exhibitions, such as Silence Speaks and Queens and Kings: Asante. In addition to his artistic achievements, he has served as an advisor and collaborator for numerous cultural and academic initiatives. His dedication to art and education continues to inspire a new generation of artists and academics globally.