Caribbean Fine Art (CaFA) Fair NYC 2026, November 20-22, 2026,
Caribbean Cultural Center, African Diaspora Institute – Ile Oyin
208 E. 126th Street, Harlem NY 10029
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Ademola Olugebefola – US Virgin Islands
Dr. Ademola Olugebefola began his professional career as a bassist, playing with several small ensembles throughout the New York metropolitan area during the late 50s and early 60s. In the late 60’s he turned his creative energies to the visual arts and frequently incorporates musical ideas and theories in his extensive body of work. Over the past four decades, Olugebefola’s works have been included in hundreds of exhibitions at major American museums, universities and cultural institutions internationally. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he has lectured and participated in forums at universities, museums and cultural institutions in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. He is a highly respected cultural activist and renowned Harlem artist whose art and career papers are in the permanent collection of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Hatch Billops Archives, Howard University, and scores of other well-respected American institutions.
Bernard Stanley Hoyes - Jamaica
Bernard Hoyes lives and works in Palm Springs, California. However, his career in art began at an early age in Kingston, Jamaica when he enrolled at The Institute of Jamaica, Junior Art Center. At fifteen years old he moved to New York City to continue his academic and artistic endeavors. Classes at the Art Students League introduced him to the art scene in N.Y.C. He continued his studies at Vermont Academy, in Saxton River, VT and in 1974, he received a B.F.A. in Painting from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Hoyes is particularly known for a body of work that recalls his Afro-Caribbean roots, specifically the rituals of African Spirituality and Christianity. This body of work has earned him multiple awards of excellence internationally. Hoyes has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the globe. He has created murals in the inner city of Los Angeles, CA, has curated exhibitions and served on the board of the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles. His works have been featured in numerous television and film productions, as well as collected internationally. Most recently he was commissioned by the City of Palm Springs to create his “Diversity” steel sculpture as part of the Pillars of Palm Springs public art installation.
Carl F. Anderson - Guyana
Carl Anderson received his early art education at the Burrowes School of the Arts in Guyana. He later immersed himself in the Latin American art milieu by living for 13 years in Venezuela. Known internationally for his bold geometric “Ribbon Series” as well as striking photo realistic paintings, Carl’s work has been exhibited widely in Europe, North and South America, including the Malta Biennale, Italy’s Grolla D’Oro and the Guyana National Art Gallery. In 2010 Carl produced a sensational series of works tackling the controversial subject of domestic violence. His work was selected to represent the Americas at the 8th Beijing Art Biennale, 2019 China.
Carlos Santiago – Puerto Rico
Carlos Santiago was born in 1978 in Peñuelas, PR. He began his formal training and graduated from the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts in 2001. After graduating he was awarded the Arana Scholarship, providing him with the privilege of living in Paris for a year. Santiago took full advantage of his stay by enrolling at the Teophile Gautier institute; the De la Marie Fine Arts Workshop; and the Daniel Fisher Studio. In addition, he had the opportunity to work at the Alfonso Arana atelier, and at his own atelier in Gambetta. To further his technique and knowledge, Santiago joined the “Les Rats Du Champs”, a group that travels yearly to the Alps to paint exclusively in watercolors. In 2015, Santiago decided to continue his studies finishing a M.A. in Painting and Drawing from the Catholic University of Ponce, PR. Since 2001, Santiago has held eleven individual exhibitions in Puerto Rico and abroad. Equally, he has participated in collective exhibitions in the United States, Canada, France, Peru and Puerto Rico. Santiago’s work embodies his expressionism and speaks to us of resistance, humanity, and defiance. Santiago also participated for almost 5 years as an exclusive artist of one of the most recognized and prestige art galleries in Puerto Rico, “Galeria Petrus” situated in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Carlos Santiago has also been a constant collaborator within the Puerto Rico art community, he has been teaching at the Ponce Art Museum, since 2001. He has been involved with various municipalities in the island to keep art alive in their communities. In 2020, Santiago's hometown of Peñuelas contracted Santiago to design a public art piece, a "Yo Soy Peñuelas" entrance sign to the municipality. Recently his latest public artwork, the entrance to Yauco’s Urban Park, was inaugurated in August 2022. Carlos Santiago is an artist that cares in teaching and influencing others through his artwork and vast knowledge.
Cher Antoinette Corbin – Barbados
Barbadian Forensic Scientist, Visual Artist & Writer, Cher-Antoinette is multi-faceted and has been successful at NIFCA in Photography 2009, Literary Arts 2011/2012/2013/2014 and Fine Arts 2012/2013. She has published a poetic anthology MY SOUL CRIES in 2013, VIRTUALIS: A New Age Love Story in 2014 and ARCHITECTS OF DESTINY: Poetry & Prose in 2015. Her artistic journey started in earnest in 2014 where she decided to let her work speak to her life. A self-taught emerging artist, the process included finding what media she was most comfortable with and resulted in works of Watercolour, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Acrylic and a mixed media of all three. Most recently she has ventured into Modern Pointillism and Hard Edge Abstract Art. Cher has gotten much attention since the launch of C-Toi Wearable Art, a jewelry line that showcases her Acrylic Fluid Art. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and brings art to the average person in an affordable form. The pieces are also enhanced with healing crystals such as amethyst, hematite and black onyx. She has had two solo art exhibitions, “Just Call Me Sarah” at the UWI in 2017 and “The Colours of My Life” in 2018 at the OAS Marcus Garvey Gallery and the Barbados Embassy in Washington DC. Cher is an active artist within the local fraternities of Artist Alliance Barbados, who hosted a national exhibition celebrating our island’s 50th year of Independence; and Artist Studio Tours Barbados who showcases the artists via onsite studio visits and online gallery viewing and auctions.
Chris Cumberbatch – Barbados/USA
Christopher Cumberbatch is an acclaimed artist, a graduate of Art and Design High School, and Parsons School of Design. He has been an active member of the Local 829 Scenic Artist Union for over 20 years and developed a thriving decorative paint company. Chris is presently the Charge Scenic Painter for the 2022 upcoming movie The TV Glows and The Best Man 3. In 2021 he was the Camara Scenic on Michael Che’s “Comedy Show”, and Saturday Night Live. Chris worked as Camara Scenic and Scenic Artist on Awkwafina “Nora from Queens”, he was Camara Scenic on the Netflix production Kevin James “The Crew”, and he was a Scenic Artist on the Fox TV production “Prodigal Son”. A few film productions that he worked on includes, Tonya Lewis Lee’s Monster, Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Crooklyn, and Robert De Niro’s A Bronx Tale. Chris designed the set for the 2022 National Black Theater productions Gong Lum's Legacy. In 2020 he was the Poster Designer for the documentary film, “Chicago, Americas Hidden War”. 2017 Chris’ received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Theater Festival. Other theatrical awards include 6 Audelco Awards: 2019 “Looking for Leroy”, 2018 “Harriet’s Return”, 2015 Black Wall Street, additional Audelco Awards include, Nuyorican Poets Café, presentation of “Meeting Miss Lilly”, and Julius Caesar set in Africa” and National Black Theater presentation of “The Shaneequa Chronicles”, Woody King Jr’s New Federal Theater “Finding Leroy”. His fine art paintings were featured in a solo exhibition at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza’s “Skylight Gallery” in 2006 as well as exhibitions at The Poets Den Theatre and Gallery, NYC, 2009 and 2013. His critically acclaimed one person exhibition, “A Contemporary Legend: Christopher Cumberbatch”, was held at the Dwyer Cultural Center, July – September 2024.
Diogenes Ballester – Puerto Rico
Diogenes Ballester, visual artist, educator, and writer holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BFA from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. He has taught as Professor of Art at The Cooper Union in New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz, the College of New Rochelle and The State University of New York at Albany. Mr. Ballester’s work explores oral history, memory, mythology, ritual, and cultural identity along a transnational spectrum. In recent exhibitions, he has appropriated cultural objects and historical artifacts together with painting, drawing, prints and new media as a way of accessing the past and re-interpreting the present in a trans-Caribbean dialogue. Ballester has received numerous honors for his artistic work and has exhibited widely in the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. His work is in numerous private and public collections.
Energie Nouvelle – Haiti;
Featuring artists:
Patricia Brintle, Francois Gracia, Gina Samson, Michael Brudent, Randolph Sanmillan,
and Samuel Sammo Augustin
Malique Shorey - Barbados
Malique Shorey was born Barbados on February 6th, 2000. He was not always an artist initially. He was more of an aspirant to greater things or a dreamer, but always to something vague and unsure, always fleeting. His path as an artist started on a whim after his CSEC exams. With no clear route at the time he chose to attend the Barbados Community College and obtain an Associate Degree in Fine Art. Now his body of works consist mainly of small and medium sized paintings but seek to extend outside of traditional bounds of art by using sculpture, painting, storytelling and designing to create not only a set of art works but also a space for them to exist and belong. Malique’s work has been exhibited at The Barbados Community College Gallery and at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Since exhibiting at Caribbean Fine Art Fair Barbados in 2019, his work has attracted the notice of international collectors especially in the USA. Not one to be confined to just the galleries, he has also created logos and tattoo designs for companies and individuals alike.
Moses Ros-Suarez – Dominican Republic
Moses Ros‐Suárez is best known for his intense paintings and sculptures that transform common objects in his characteristically expressionist style. His large graphics of figures and objects explore themes such as AIDS awareness, the global economic crisis, and personal versus national identity and power. Ros--‐Suárez has had one--‐person exhibitions at museums in the United States and the Caribbean, including the Yeshiva University Museum, New York; the Paterson Museum, New Jersey; and the Instituto de Cultura y Arte in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the Bronx Council for the Arts have awarded him commissions for public sculptures, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority for stained glass windows. A licensed architect in the state of New York, Ros-Suárez is a graduate of the Pratt Institute.
Nicolle Blackwood – Jamaica
Nicolle Blackwood discovered her passion for drawing at the early age of eight. This passion was nurtured during her high school years, during which time she earned several awards and wide recognition. Born into a family of artists, Blackwood was inspired by her uncle renowned Jamaican artist Paul Blackwood, who encouraged her to pursue her passion. Ms. Blackwood entered the Edna Manley College where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Art degree. Since then Nicolle has participated in solo and group exhibitions across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. She is also the creative director of the fashion line Nicolle Nish, based in Kingston, Jamaica.
Norma Lithgow – Honduras
A native of Honduras, Ms. Lithgow received her early training at the Academy of San Vincent Paul. She came to New York City to study fashion at French's Fashion Academy and went on to Spain to study art at the Academia de Bellas Artes. Ms. Lithgow’s wonderfully expressive “Jazz Series” paintings have been shown at New York’s 2003 and 2004 JVC Jazz Festivals and have won her an enthusiastic following since then. Working from her home studio in Harlem, New York City, Ms. Lithgow’s creations are exhibited frequently in the New York City Tri-State area as well as internationally. Her work has become part of many private and public collections.
Patricia Stuart – Barbados
“My art is inspired by the environment I grew up in. I was raised by Barbadian grandparents who nurtured and tended a colorful garden in the front yard, and backyard of our house in Washington Heights, New York City. My grandmother’s appreciation for color was seen in the pink and blue floral linoleum in the living room. The pink slip covers on the sofa really stood out. The beautiful, colorful flowers in the garden was such a delight to see. I loved to just stare at them. Morning Glories, pink and white Carnations, Chrysanthemums and Roses were among some of the flowers she grew. I was surrounded by color growing up. I didn’t know it back then, but my love for art grew out of that colorful environment. I spent a lot of my free time drawing and coloring as a child. Eventually, all of that culminated into a passion for Arts and Crafts. I went from painting in art journals to painting on canvas. My paintings reflect anything that I have found to be beautiful in life. Being able to express that artistically, is a privilege and a blessing! Painting aspects of my heritage is of utmost importance because it allows me to make profound statements as I shed light on a much-needed subject. My work has been exhibited multiple times in libraries, and galleries. I am compelled to paint and create art because art tells the stories that need to be told!”
Pierre Nigel – Barbados
A native of Barbados, christened, Nigel Pierre, started art at the tender age of five, while attending the Wesley Hall Infant School. A self-taught artist, Pierre can’t remember when he wasn’t an artist. Drawing, Painting and picturing life are among his earliest memories, and have always been more than a pastime. For many years he has described his art as a passion “Painting defines me,” he says. “Art is Life and Life is Art, Past, Present and Future.” Upon leaving school he took a correspondence course in cartooning, and was advised by his tutors to pursue commercial art. This advice he took, and worked as a graphic artist, and an art director from 1969-1991. Pierre has exhibited in several solo and group exhibitions. He has also been involved in many related experiences. From 1969 to present, he was involved in numerous art events including 3 solo exhibitions. He also participated in several group art shows. Collectors knew him for his images of people, flora and places. Watercolor is his first love, although he dabbles in other media, for which he has won many awards since 1969. While his paintings artistically speak for themselves, they also reflect his appreciation for the life and culture. Working with water and acrylic colors, Pierre is a master of depicting the expressive quality of light. The resulting images are at once realistic, yet visionary. His work is exhibited widely in galleries and museums in Barbados and throughout the world, with a growing number of collectors.
Ras Ilix Heartman – Barbados
Ras Ilix Heartman, wood sculptor and farmer, was born in Barbados. His first international exposure was at the Third Havana Biennial in Cuba which was followed by the “In The Spirit Festival" at Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Since then his work has been exhibited at numerous exhibitions in Barbados and in the U.S. His sculpture Melchizedek was awarded "Best In Show" at the 1997 Black History Month Exhibition held at New York’s Hintersteiner Gallery in Washington Heights. Ras Ilix’ 2012 solo show received critical acclaim at the Queen’s Park Gallery in Barbados. In 2021 he was selected as artist in residence by Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in St. Croix, USVI as well as participating as one of 12 Barbadian artists in "Reflections on Emancipation & Post-Colonial Society" which traveled from Barbados to the Caribbean Museum Center in August 2021. His sculptures are a part on many private and public collections including the Barbados National Collection.
Sheniqua Young - Jamaica
Sheniqua Young is a Jamaican-American visual artist from New York. Her artwork explores the themes of nature, femininity, and Caribbean culture. Utilizing oil, watercolor and digital art she creates vibrant, joyful paintings. Sheniqua graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Her work has been featured in several group exhibitions across NYC and Long Island including Gallery North, Molloy University, Jamaica Center of Arts & Learning, and the Raynham Hall Museum. She received awards from the Patchogue Arts Council, Etsy’s Uplift Makers Fund, and is a Long Island Grants for the Arts, 2026 Artist Fellow.
Sigi’nommo – Guadeloupe
Pascal Marinier, creator and designer of Sigi`Nommo clothing line was born and raised in Paris, before traveling extensively through Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. He sees art as one of life’s greatest inspirations, which should be appreciated, highly visible, and be a part of our everyday life to encourage us to realize our dreams. Pascal`s vision led him to create Sigi`Nommo, which specializes in bringing his artwork to life by making it accessible through a fashionable, groundbreaking clothing line. His unique designs have received acclaim in fashion shows, such as during the closure of Al Sharpton`s civil rights organization NAN Convention 2024 and the Harlem Fashion Show, where he presented his collaboration with Café Mocha Radio, the only nationally syndicated show dedicated to the women of colour. In 2023 and 2024, Sigi Nommo was commissioned to create the official design for the HBCU Film Festival at Howard University. His collections have been featured in fashion & art magazines and have been exhibited in the National Jazz Museum in Harlem as an Artist-in-Residence.
Tyson Hall – Barbados/USA
Actor Tyson Hall is a classically trained actor with over 20 years of experience. Hall can be found playing “Sam” in the hit show Power Book III: Raising Kanan, featured on the Starz network. He has also shared the television screen with Award-winning actors Forest Whitaker and Louise Guzman in the hit series The Godfather of Harlem as the character “The Vein” which is featured on the Epix network. Hall was most recognized in the indie film titled Pimp where he played Slim and had the opportunity to co-star with KeKe Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis, and the late rapper DMX. His love of film and television does not supersede his passion for the stage. Studying theatre at Harlem School of the Arts under James Pringle, taught Hall the fundamentals of the stage. Hall was recently cast as “Julian Ortiz” in a play called “The Gate” featured at Gerald W Lynch Theater at John Jay College, which is his alma mater. Tyson Hall has a love for learning. He furthered his education at City College of NY where he learned classical theater and performed Shakespeare along with numerous stage productions. Hall later went on to become an active member of the Actor’s Studio, where he learned the Stanislavski method of acting. Hall also received training from acting coach Susan Batson who taught him sense memory and character development. His visual art has been informed by an informal education in the Streets of New York in what is known today as “Street Art.” His work has morphed into an unprecedented form of visionary delight and eye raising awareness. He has since been featured at Miami’s Art Basel, and donated pieces for auction to New York City museums and charities such as The Jackie Robinson Foundation, Abyssinian Baptist Church, The MOCADA Museum, and the ARRC.
Yanique DaCosta - Jamaica
Yanique was born in Jamaica and migrated to the United States in pursuit of educational advancement. She received an Associate Degree in Graphic Design, a bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts and a Masters of Fine Arts in Media Design. Throughout her professional tenure, Yanique has focused her talents on brand development and advertising visuals for the entertainment and/or night life industry. Some years ago, Yanique decided to revisit her first love, “my primary passion, my greatest and most fulfilling joy” - P A I N T I N G. She then embarked on a new journey, a 52-piece exploratory year long project - T H E F I F T Y T W O C O L L E C T I O N. Using a variety of cool and warm colors to capture the beauty and strength of women of different shapes and sizes- each piece represents a different week in the year. This series marked an entire new direction in her creative life.
“Diaspora Dialogue in NYC – Exhibition of Global Diaspora Artists
Michael Bradley Fine Art – USA, representing artists:
Jimmy James Green
Robert Reid
Carla Elizabeth Wade
B. Curtis Grayson III – USA
Curtis Grayson, III, has had the desire to be an artist at an early age, after exposure to the work of artist Ernie Barnes on his favorite TV sitcom, “Good Times”. He received his artistic training at William Paterson University where he received degrees in studio art as well as African, African American & Caribbean studies. He works with oils, acrylics, watercolors, collage and other mixed media; using bold, brilliant and bright hues, which display power and energy with each brush stroke. His paintings are filled with strong emotions and feeling. One of Grayson’s most celebrated series of work is his “Revelations Series”, a dedication to Alvin Ailey’s signature dance piece. One of the pieces in the collection entitled, “Dance of August” can be seen in the HBO production of Terri McMillan’s novel Disappearing Acts, starring Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes, which premiered December 2000. In 2013 Grayson’s artwork was selected to be featured in the highly anticipated “BEST MAN 2” the follow up sequel from Director Malcolm Lee featuring his original co-stars Nia Long and Morris Chestnut. Mr. Grayson is currently an Art Teacher at Columbia High School, NJ. He has had the opportunity to exhibit his work in the New York tri-state area, several other regions of the USA, and abroad; while attracting and receiving numerous noteworthy collectors.
Cecil Lee – USA
Cecil W. Lee (C. Lee) is a visual artist specializing in Computer-Evolved Digital Compositions, a hybrid art form that fuses traditional techniques such as painting and photography with cutting-edge digital tools. His journey as a digital artist began in the late 1980s when he purchased his first computer, captivated by the creative possibilities of a new technological frontier. Without formal training, C. Lee developed his craft through years of experimentation, guided by a sharp eye for detail and a vivid use of color—hallmarks that continue to define his work.
Khuumba Ama - USA
Khuumba Ama hails from the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor of Savannah, Georgia. She now resides in Harlem, USA. She is a full time multi-dimensional Visual Artist, Storyteller and Reiki Therapist. Khuumba uses various textures to tell the stories of her art, such as, images printed on canvas, a technique Ms. Ama developed while experimenting with various materials to create her collages; sand and felting. Khuumba is currently the President of National Conference of Artists (NCA), New York Chapter. As a Teaching Artist, her classes are designed for elevating “Life Skills Through Art”. In September 2019, Khuumba received a Citation from the City Council of New York, for Outstanding Work in Community Service.
Kumasi Uhuru – USA
Kumasi Uhuru emerged from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to become what he calls a "hue-manitarian" - an artist whose work transcends conventional boundaries. Beginning with poetry as his foundation, Kumasi discovered that art offered a path to personal freedom and spiritual awakening. Despite facing profound personal tragedies, Kumasi transformed these
experiences into a diverse body of work spanning multiple media. His art embodies his deep love for humanity and his ongoing journey toward higher purpose. At the core of his creative practice lies a commitment to change, healing, restoration, and peace - values that continue to evolve within his craft. Kumasi approaches his artistic gifts with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, seeking to share a higher sense of peace through every piece he creates.
Lisa Dubois – USA
Lisa DuBois is a curator, visual artist and writer dedicated to exploring subcultures within the broader fabric of mainstream society. Her ethnographic photojournalism aims to enlighten and inspire viewers to consider other cultures in a deeper and meaningful way. Preserving and promoting awareness of cultural diversity, as revealed through ritual and performance, is at the center of her artistic mission. DuBois received a degree from the Germain School of Photography and a BFA from the School of Visual Arts. Her work has been exhibited nationally and in India, France and Greece. She has freelanced for Getty Images and The New York Daily News and has been recognized by The Guardian and New York Times for her tenure as curator of Harlem’s X Gallery. She’s currently Diversity Advisor and Photo Editor for Social Documentary Network. In 2023, Lisa received a BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) Grant and a grant from En Foco.
Oyebimpe Babs-Fashola - Nigeria
Oyebimpe Babs-Fashola is a Nigerian Visual Artist who believes in the healing power of art and colors. She loves to capture the aura of her muses and explore diverse traditional and digital art mediums such as pencils, charcoals, acrylics, oils, fabrics, threads, and scraps, to promote eco-friendly awareness and mental well-being using the act of chromotherapy. She is a Computer Science and Management BA graduate from the University of Ghana, and a Fashion Designer by profession who decided to follow her talent for art in 2020, during the Covid. The pandemic
helped ignite this passion to pursue the therapeutic nature of art which has brought succour to her mental health.
S. Ross Browne – USA
S. Ross Browne studied Communication Art and Design at Virginia Commonwealth University
and Photography at The Corcoran School of the Arts. He is also an alumnus of The Miller
School of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Virginia. He has taught art and design for inner city
and at-risk youth for the Fresh Air Fund of N.Y.C, Weed and Seed, Project Ready and Art 180
of Richmond, VA. He was also an instructor for the Resident Associate Program at The
Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. During his tenure as the Art Specialist for the VCU
Health System, Ross practiced art therapy for and taught art to his various patients with an
emphasis on pediatric hematology/oncology, infectious disease and brain injury patients. He is
also an illustrator and graphic designer with a long and varied list of clientele. Ross continues to
paint and write out of his studio in Richmond, Virginia. In a review of the exhibition Art Fusion in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Special Correspondent, CeCe Bullard wrote; "Browne, always
intense and direct, explores the many faces of the American experience in a variety of media,
each of which he uses effectively." S. Ross Browne is the recipient of numerous awards and
honors, and has been featured in various local and national media. His work has been acquired
by the internationally recognized Virginia Museum of Fine Art and is in the collection of
international, national, and local institutions.
Michael Bradley Fine Art – USA
TAFA – Ghana
TAFA is an award-winning painter whose work is exhibited and collected internationally. His style is characterized by a richly vivid palette and heavily textured surface. He obtained a BFA degree from the College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He currently lives in Harlem, New York. TAFA was named 2010 Sport Artist of the Year by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives. TAFA’s paintings have been celebrated and exhibited in galleries, educational and cultural institutions in the US, Japan, Europe, and Africa. His work may be found in numerous permanent public and private collections, including the Superior Court, Washington, D.C, Barclays Bank, Sparrow Hospital, Michigan, Shell Co, Ghana’s National Museum, Carver Federal Bank and former New York City Mayor, David N. Dinkins, Bryant Gumbel and former US President Bill Clinton. “Myth, worship and ritual is what attracts me, the arena as a landscape or the athlete or player as portraiture is not what inspires me. Sport as a metaphor for life and faith fascinates me - our collective allegiance and dedication to the gods and deities of the game, the mass psychology and identification, almost prehistoric and primal. It is the mythic power of the stadium, the arena, which has become the new basilica and pyramid, synagogue and temple.” says TAFA. This myth and almost religious relevance is also captured in his paintings of marches and protestors.
ZENC – representing artists:
Alberto Opoku - Ghana
Alberto is from Ghana, West Africa. I was born in the Kumasi Ashanti Region of Ghana. I grew up as a young boy admiring nature, its impact on humans, and how nature positively influences humans. With this admiration, l began to put heart and humanity into Arts. Art that portrays nature and gives insight to various races of humans across all continents. I have therefore developed a passion for Arts and do it as a full-time artist. My dream is that the world will see my Artwork.
Bismark Mensah Bonsu - Ghana
Bismark Mensah Bonsu, hailing from the vibrant town of Sehwi Wiawso in Ghana, is an artist whose work transcends mere aesthetics, embodying the philosophy that "Art is Life, Feel It and Love It." From a young age, Bismark exhibited a profound passion for creativity, drawing inspiration from the colorful landscapes, diverse cultures, and the everyday lives of the people around him. His artwork often reflects the intricate dynamics of life in Ghana, capturing emotions and experiences that resonate universally. Through various mediums, including painting and mixed media, he invites viewers to engage with the raw beauty of human existence. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bismark Mensah Bonsu remains a prominent voice in the Ghanaian art scene, advocating for the transformative power of creativity.
Daniel Quarico – Ghana
Daniel hails from the Kumasi Ashanti Region of Ghana. He has trained with master sculptors from this traditional art community and has imbued the traditional art forms with his own contemporary flourishes. His unique combination of African hardwoods from Ghana and Togo infused in many cases with w/melted British Coins (circa pre-1962) is a tribute to the ancestors who endured the strictures of colonialism.
ZENC Bean & Art Imports Ltd
ZENC was born in 2019 during a visit to Senegal and Ghana. We met several talented artists who skillfully used colour to create beautiful paintings. Furthermore, it was a pleasure to observe trained artists coach and mentor raw budding talent to hone their artistic abilities. Our goal is not only to help these artists survive and feed their families but also an element to propagate their culture and heritage through art. West African art is a visual voice and vehicle that connects to the people's souls.