Abdur Rahman Muhammad (Ghanaian, b. 1992) is a contemporary artist who works and resides in Accra. He has been a practicing artist for over six years. His works are usually influenced by the culture of western music, especially hip-hop and its effect on the youth of Ghana. He is a member of the Ghanaian art collective, Artemartis. His works have found their way to collectors and exhibitions all over the world. He applies oil in his works, and he focuses on stories of the youth in his community, often experienced first-hand.

Growing up, I, together with a lot of people in my generation witnessed the lavish lives of music stars, and how tourists who visited my birthplace, Osu, in Accra, went about without a care in the world. The common aim among kids in my time was to become like them: rich, care-tree, and with no limitations. I grew up into a scene of never-ending pressure, from society, family and life in general. Lack of opportunities, and unemployment in the country propelled most of the youth to go into easy ways of earning money, to "keep up" with unrealistic standards set by influences from the western world and from fellow colleagues in their communities.

In my work, I explore how the lack of opportunities and unemployment issues have led most of Accra's youth to seek greener pastures in other countries, often leaving the country through any means necessary. Although some are able to travel to study abroad and are offered job opportunities and scholarships, I have heard stories of people walking for weeks through the North African countries, battling immense heat and dehydration, often perishing before reaching their final destination, their land of ‘milk and honey.’ Other stories include sneaking away into ships that are headed towards destinations these young people are not even aware of. They mostly hope they end up in a random country which is not Ghana, a place where they can start life again, hoping they can come back home some day, and change their communities.

I delve into the lives of young men and women and their need to be successful in life, most who are victims of circumstance.

I tell stories through my works, as if I were writing a song, songs of hope for my people, and the youth in my community. I apply oil and charcoal in my works, and emphasise on texture, portraying the emotions and hidden sadness of the youth in Accra. I believe my current project is cathartic given that it touches on seeking greener pasture and expresses the views and experiences of young Ghanaians on the matter.

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