James Mishio

BIO

James Mishio, (b.1997) is a mixed media artist of the Ghanaian contemporary art scene who lives and works in Accra. His experimentation with various forms of media and materials and sensitive exploration of the humanity of his subjects fuels his work. He uses Impasto with a palette knife, applying Oil, Acrylic, Pastel, and Fabric on canvas to create his works. His use of oil for the skin of his subject emphasizes the richness and wealth of the African individual and the history their skin holds. His employment of used or second-hand clothes connotes the idea of ‘life after death’, meaning extending the lifespan of the material beyond its functionality. His works have reachedprivate collections, a notable exhibition titled ‘Bird of A Feather’ by Phillips Auction House and Artemartis, and galleries such as the Coningsby Gallery, in London. With over 6 years of painting and growing as an artist, he aims to focus on communication and transformation among people. He is involved in portraiture and figurative work, and his current work focuses on the topic of perception and its fluctuations, together with the vacillations and mysteries surrounding it.

ARTIST STATEMENT

In my society, men with certain hairstyles often face discrimination, being unfairly labeled as criminals, drug dealers, or societal menaces. This prejudice inspired my IDENTITY series. Ahmad Cissé, a fellow creative with Senegalese roots, became a significant source of inspiration for me. Ahmad excels in modeling and photography, continually breaking boundaries while embracing his Senegalese culture and expressing his freedom through his hairstyle. Seeking to overcome similar stereotypes in Accra, I connected with Ahmad and found inspiration in his photographs, poses, and overall expression of freedom. His work communicates a powerful message of self-acceptance and pride in his identity, encouraging others to accept him for who he is: a man proud of his dreadlocks. In light of this, I seek to explore the corridors of perception by investigating and dissecting our views and approaches to things as a people.

ARTWORKS