Painter Larry Otoo: A Contemporary Traditionalist

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“I like and love to paint, to translate my inner perceptions into reality… use colour so liberally so that I can be happy with what I create.”

mellow mood 252x300 Painter Larry Otoo: A Contemporary Traditionalist

Mellow Mood by Larry Otoo
Acrylics on Canvas 81 X 69cm

Larry Otoo attended the College of Art at Kwame Nkrumah University where he attained an MA in African Art and Comparative Literature in 1981. His themes express the relationship between Western and African art, and he refers to himself as “a contemporary traditionalist” since much of work is inspired by the familiar daily activities of Ghanaian life.

Having exhibited widely and regularly since 1978, Larry is one of the best-known and most successful artists in Ghana today. “Each time I pick up the brush to paint,” he says, “I have a strong feeling that an obligation has been placed upon me to record and preserve our traditions visually.”

Otoo paints in oils and acrylics and does portraits in pastels. He is a master colourist with a strong sense of surface effect and rhythm. His subjects include groups of traditional drummers, dancers, crowds, market scenes, and so on. He is described as “courageous in his experimentation,” and his canvases varying considerably.

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Paul Boakye

Writer, editor and marketing specialist who sat on The Power Inquiry. Former editor and CEO of the consumer lifestyle magazine, Drum (UK), and author of five plays published for an academic audience by Alexander Street Press, USA. Recipient of business and writing awards, including prestigious accolades such as advising British government, BBC radio and TV commentator, and invitation to meet Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Currently works as a communications professional, creating contagious ideas to help great brands change the conversation to their advantage, across the entire Central and West African region.

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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1002252585 Jacob Vercouteren

Why wouldn’t it be art is a very subjective thing, and its beauty is also its beast. It depends on the eye of the observer. If it evokes feeling, well, there you go. Look up Dean Koontz and see if you think he’s an artist. It’s really a tough one, but perhaps the fact that he makes you question is the art in itself. Look up some of his interviews on YouTube…then you will be more confused perhaps. That’s the beauty of it though.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1002252585 Jacob Vercouteren

Why wouldn’t it be art is a very subjective thing, and its beauty is also its beast. It depends on the eye of the observer. If it evokes feeling, well, there you go. Look up Dean Koontz and see if you think he’s an artist. It’s really a tough one, but perhaps the fact that he makes you question is the art in itself. Look up some of his interviews on YouTube…then you will be more confused perhaps. That’s the beauty of it though.