October Gallery Presents: A Tribute to Owusu-Ankomah’s Monumental Vision

This autumn, October Gallery honours the legacy of acclaimed artist Owusu-Ankomah, who passed away in February, with a special exhibition showcasing a selection of his core works from 2008 to 2014.

Known for his captivating large-scale canvases, Owusu-Ankomah created alternative worlds alive with enigmatic symbols and striking human forms. Each painting reflects the artist’s evolving spiritual journey, with monumental figures interacting in ever-shifting ways with the surrounding iconography. Early in his career, Owusu-Ankomah’s work drew inspiration from ancient African rock art and masquerade traditions. Over time, his figures shed their masks, becoming silent presences adrift in a sea of signs.

Owusu-Ankomah employs masterful trompe l’oeil techniques, creating powerful forms adorned with intricate glyphs that sometimes dissolve into the backgrounds surrounding them. These symbols are primarily inspired by the adinkra set, which conveys the wisdom of Ghana’s Akan people. Over time, the artist has expanded this imagery to incorporate symbols from various cultures, as well as unique glyphs of his own creation. The result is a visual language that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The show runs from 4th September to 4th October.  The Private View of the exhibition will take place from 6:00 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with artist and writer Dr. Chris Spring officially opening the event at 7:15 pm. Additionally, the gallery will host a talk titled “Freedom Rising: The Art of Owusu-Ankomah” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

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For further details, please visit the gallery’s website.