J. Opoku Ofei

J. Opoku Ofei was born in Tafo, Ghana in West Africa.  Encouraged by his parents, Ofei began to discover his artistic talents at an early age.  Throughout high school, he attained numerous citations and awards, including admission of his works in national and international art competitions in West Africa.

This passion for the arts eventually led to advanced academic studies in the graphic and fine arts.  In 1981, Ofei earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the distinguished Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.  Since establishing a highly successful career as an artist, he has exhibited widely throughout West Africa and the U.S. and created commissioned works for various commercial establishments, architectural firms, and interior decorators in Nigeria and Ghana.

The artist remarks, “As a painter and educator, I try through my art to examine and interpret the roots of our collective, moral philosophies that have shaped our thinking, beliefs, and general worldview of our environment.  The importance of family life, childbirth, names, respect for elders, transition from childhood to adulthood, personal responsibility, et cetera, are crucial issues to the people of the Motherland . . . .”