We recently connected with Elolo Bosoka and have shared our conversation below.

Elolo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

At the moment, I can say i am on my way. I think i am proud of what i have accomplished so far eventhough I am not yet earning so much from my practice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Elolo Bosoka, a Ghanaian contemporary artist working and living between Accra and Kumasi. I am part of the blaxTARLINES KUMASI collective, located at the Department of Painting and Sculpture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, where I currently study PhD Painting (Studio).

My practice mostly engages with everyday objects, events and people. I guess I am simply asking the question “How might we transform art from being a commodity to becoming a gift, something that could be shared freely and available to all regardless of backgrounds or ethnicities? Ghana, even though has a rich cultural history in terms of art and craft, has not had the necessary institutions to help with its dissemination and distribution. This has indirectly limited access even if something is made. The goal of blaxTARLINES KUMASI really is to introduce another way, a new pedagogy first into the art department in KNUST that allows freedom of experimentation and approaching the crisis as a material in both the making of the works and the sharing (exhibitions) through alternatives spaces and workshops. I believe that we the art students become agents of change where ever we will be in Ghana and the rest of the world.

I mostly use packaging materials; objects found in situations, measuring tools from open markets, and images as a photographic objects for my works. I make installations, images, short films, objects, drawings and ‘seethrough painterly-sculptures.

I am most proud of my ability to transform everyday objects and events into thought-provoking art that reflects the rich history, culture, and essence of Ghana. My work not only challenges the traditional boundaries of art, but also invites viewers to explore the deeper connections between art, place, and materiality.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my art is deeply rooted in the Ghanaian experience, and it aims to bridge the gap between our past and present. Through my work, I celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of our culture and contribute to a growing contemporary art scene in Ghana. By engaging with my art, you become a part of a creative conversation that transcends time and space, allowing you to see the beauty in everyday life

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

– Education and Awareness: Promote the importance of art and creativity in schools and community centres, starting at an early age. This includes integrating arts education into the curriculum and providing opportunities for students to engage with various artistic disciplines.

– Financial Support: Offer grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities for artists and creative projects, making it easier for them to focus on their craft without financial constraints. This could also include tax incentives and subsidies for art-related businesses.

– Accessible Workspaces: Create affordable and accessible studios, workshops, and collaborative spaces where artists can work, network, and share ideas.

– Public Art and Cultural Events: Encourage and support public art installations, exhibitions, and cultural events, making art accessible to a broader audience and fostering a sense of community.

– Networking and Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between artists, creative professionals, and businesses to create opportunities for growth and innovation. This can be facilitated through networking events, online platforms, and local partnerships.

– Promotion and Marketing: Help artists and creatives reach a wider audience by promoting their work through various channels, such as social media, local publications, and galleries. Supporting local art fairs and festivals can also help showcase their talent.

– Art and Creative Industry Policies: Advocate for policies that support the arts and creative industries, such as protecting intellectual property rights, easing bureaucratic barriers, and promoting cultural exchange programs.

– Community Support: Encourage communities to support local artists and creative businesses by purchasing their work, attending events, and spreading the word about their contributions to society.

By taking these steps, society can create an environment in which artists and creatives can flourish, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. Most importantly, the artists and creatives need to have faith in whatever they believe in and keep pushing until our communities and other bodies see the need to provide support. I believe our attitude should be to become a source of inspiration for the community to want to provide support.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

“Art is something that is radically new” – kąrî’kạchä seid’ou

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their ability to tokenize digital assets on blockchain platforms, enabling artists and creators to sell their work directly to buyers and retain ownership of their intellectual property. They have provided a clear record of ownership and provenance, making it easier for artists and collectors to verify the authenticity and history of a digital asset, they’ve also opened up new revenue streams, expansion of the art market into digital realms and also providing new opportunities for creatives to gain prominence.

NFTs, being a recent development, present both advantages and drawbacks. It is crucial to adopt a somewhat radical perspective while engaging with them, recognizing that our understanding is still evolving. Delving into their intricacies and maintaining a cautious approach is essential, rather than taking their impact for granted. Both NFTs and AI have become integral aspects of our contemporary reality. By embracing these technologies and learning from them, we increase our chances of harnessing their potential for our benefit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elolo_bosoka/
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/elolobosoka
• Twitter: @elolobosoka

Image Credits
Yaw Eugene – Artist’s portrait