By Adam Blanchard
Assistant Professor of Art Bright Kontor Osei inspires his students through his teachings and rich cultural background.
Osei’s collegiate education is a combination of Ghanaian and American schooling. With a Bachelor of Arts in art education from the University of Education at Winneba, Osei decided to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts in painting and drawing at Ohio University.
Originally from Sunyani, Ghana, Osei became engrossed in art early in his childhood. Osei grew up working alongside his father as a street vendor selling goods. Osei’s passion for art was fueled by traveling to different wayside studios, where he would begin his journey as an artist.
“People say, ‘I’ve always loved art ever since I was a kid,’ but I mean, it is the same for me,” Osei said. “I already had the passion, but then doing that added more fuel to it.”
Osei’s work reflects his love for African culture. Osei intentionally uses vibrant colors to help capture the myriad of bright colors seen in Ghana’s open air markets. Through the use of diptychs, Osei is better able to tell the story of the subjects of his pieces, whether it be portraiture or a landscape.
“The landscapes are basically the people,” Osei said. “Their stories are coming from the landscapes, so the landscapes tend to be a fragment of society.”
In order to gather references for his work, Osei takes to the streets of his hometown and speaks to the community. Osei strives for authenticity in his work, so he looks for authentic characters to illustrate.
“I go to the people, I talk to them, I let them know I am an artist, I want to take their photographs. I want to tell their stories through the work I make. Some say no, which is fine,” Osei said. “Some say yes. Once they say yes, I take their photos. I take their stories. Then, I come to the studio and I get back to work.”
Osei’s visual choices are intentional, with every detail calling back to the culture he once lived in. His use of gold leaf paint, vibrant colors and Ankara fabric come together to celebrate the subject of his work.
“I tend to want to work on multiple pieces at a goal because that helps me envision how the whole thing will come together,” Osei said.
Osei comes into his position as an assistant art professor with experience. During his time at Ohio University, Osei acted as an instructor of record, teaching in his second year. Above all else, Osei hopes that his students will learn the skill of speaking art. Students should know their significance in the sphere of art, the history of art and the current trajectory of art.
“The curators, the gallery directors, all these museum people, they know how to speak it,” Osei said. “If they come to you and they realize that you are not speaking it, no matter how good you are, they will disconnect from you.”
Osei continues his work at SUNY Plattsburgh, with a solo exhibition on the horizon. Recently, Osei was reached out to by Jennifer Bilow, the owner and art director of Malone’s Downtown Artist Cellar.
Osei feels obligated to inspire the youth as well as infuse his work with history. His ambition extends beyond the need to make money.
“It’s not like I’m doing this because I have to do something, but I’m doing this because I need to do it,” Osei said.
To check out some of Osei’s work, visit brightkontorosei.com.
