We recently connected with Reuben Quansah and have shared our conversation below.
Reuben, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my ongoing series titled Unspoken Bonds, which explores African family relationships, particularly the complex, often unspoken bond between fathers and sons. This project is deeply personal, rooted in my own life and experiences.
Growing up, my relationship with my father was complicated. While I deeply admired him, we often clashed, especially around issues of identity, cultural expectations, and generational differences. In Ghanaian society, fatherhood comes with specific, unspoken expectations, and my father, like many others, adhered to them closely.
For years, I struggled with my identity as an artist, often imitating others due to a lack of direction. This changed when I was prompted to reflect on fatherhood and not repeat what I didn’t like as a child through a deeper study of the Bible. The concept for Unspoken Bonds emerged during this period, where I was brought face-to-face with my own relationship with my father. I recognized where things had gone wrong between us and knew I wanted to make things right. This realization fueled my desire to document my journey toward healing and to create a pathway for others.
Shortly afterward, I was selected as one of the inaugural participants in a documentary and photojournalism program, which gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced facilitators who helped me refine my approach and connect deeply with my subject matter. The program sharpened my vision, enabling me to portray the emotions, resilience, and quiet strength that fathers often embody but may not express openly.
Through Unspoken Bonds, I aim to spark conversations about masculinity, fatherhood, and reconciliation within African contexts. My goal is not only to capture meaningful images but also to show others that it’s possible to rebuild relationships and embrace vulnerability.
Ultimately, Unspoken Bonds is about more than photography; it’s about redefining legacies, building bridges between generations, and providing hope to others who seek healing in their relationships with their fathers or sons.
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.
Ekow Quansah is an African documentary and portrait photographer of Ghanaian descent, whose work reflects his deep commitment to capturing the essence of African identity, culture, and societal challenges. With an eye for both beauty and urgency, he has used his lens to document significant milestones, from personal memories to the pressing issues facing communities across the continent.
He started making images as a result of seeing his father do the same as a child. Over the past half-decade, his powerful narratives have shed light on the lives of cocoa farmers and the pervasive galamsey crisis in Ghana, combining artistry with advocacy. The evocative nature of his portraits reveals the deep love and appreciation he has for those who grace his presence, reflecting their unique stories and emotions in every image.
He graduated as one of the most outstanding students from the first cohort of the Photojournalism and Documentary Practice certificate program at the Dikan Centre, a leading photography education institution. His passion for mentorship and community building led him to become the youngest tutor and mentor in the Canon Young People’s Program at Dikan, guiding underprivileged teens through the art of visual storytelling. The curation of his mentees’ work was presented in a well-received exhibition at the Dikan Gallery.
What sets me apart from others is that I live the stories I capture. I don’t just photograph from the outside looking in; I’m connected to the people I photograph. My work isn’t just a product; it’s an expression of who I am and the conversations I want to have with the world. It’s about seeing the raw truth, the beauty, and the strength in vulnerability.
I’m most proud of being able to connect with my subjects on such a deep level. Every photograph I take is a step toward understanding myself and the world around me better. It’s also about opening spaces for others to reflect and heal.
For those who follow my work, I want them to know that it’s not just about the images—it’s about the stories behind them. It’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and pushing for change. I’m here to document not just moments, but to spark conversations that matter. My work is for those who want to truly understand and have an intimate connection with the African experience, not through the lens of stereotypes, but through the lived experiences of the people themselves.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Respect the work of Artist and try not to look down on them as degenerates in the society. Even though the Ghanaian art scene has had a major shift over the years, there are still people who believe artist are those who couldn’t make it in the corporate world or mainstream school system.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Passion will generate income.
After doing a lot of pro bono work for friends and clients alike because I just loved my work, I was getting drained, and I had no money to afford the passion I was so enthused about. After a while of not making sure you’re paid what you’re worth and can make sure your business is growing, I realized photography wasn’t just about knowing everything there was about it. I had to go back a study the business part of it and even though I’m not there yet, I am still learning how to balance the passion with the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ekowquansah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekowquansah_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenquansah/
Image Credits
Reuben Ekow Quansah