Biography
Nana Sampong's artistic journey is an introspective exploration of his Ghanaian heritage
and the intricate layers of a post-colonial mindset. His creative process is an ongoing endeavor
to redefine Western perceptions and delve into the complexities of the African diaspora within
the cultural context of American Black identity.
Sampong was born in 1975 in Kumasi, Ghana, where he still has family, and was raised in Sierra Leone.
After teaching himself to sculpt and paint, he also taught himself to draw by tracing images from magazines
and books. He then went on to study art in high school. Growing up in a household where his father was
a diplomat and his mother was a teacher shaped his visual vocabulary, due to travels, exposure to different
cultures and vast collection of books. He graduated from Abuakwa State in 1997 and moved to Houston, Texas
in 1998 to pursue studies in Graphic Communications at the University of Houston, winning the award to
design the Hispanic magazine Nuestro Mundo. Here he began working with the prestigious Blaffer Art Gallery
that helped advance his artistic skills and sensibility, and had the opportunity to install art works and mentor
with numerous luminaries of the art world including Chuck Close and Fred Wilson.
Drawing from an eclectic blend of influences including African proverbs, religious motifs, esoteric literature,
and found photography, Sampong constructs a personal mythology that straddles the realms of individual
consciousness and societal responsibilities. Born and nurtured within the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ghana,
Sampong's innate artistic talent began to blossom in his early years, culminating in recognition as an exemplary
painter during his tenure at Trade Fair Center in Ghana. Here, he and a few select artists were commissioned
by the Government of Ghana to paint a commemoration in honor of Ghana’s independence.
Upon relocating to America, Sampong encountered the realities of marginalization faced by Black communities,
igniting within him a fervent commitment to amplifying Black representation within the contemporary art scene. Influenced
by music, literature, and current affairs, he found inspiration in modern artists including Radcliffe Bailey whom he had the
opportunity to meet and work with at Blaffer Gallery. The ability to see a different perspective of black culture in a new
country helped shape his unique artistic vision.
Beyond traditional artistic realms, Sampong's early work in utilizing found objects, and current work in murals and sculpture
notably, his venture into oil paintings after exploring and experimenting with diverse mediums In December 2023, Sampong
unveiled 'inevitable cycle’ triptych painting dedicated to Gem Food Services Corporation for their growth in the commercial
food service industry.
Sampong’s portraits are autobiographical explorations of expressions creativity that challenge traditional narratives of history.
Other paintings represent men, women, and African deities including Akuaba, represent fertility and challenges the modern
ideas of femininity. These convey individuality and a spiritual dimension to Sampong’s work, with most of the figures transfixing
their eyes with the viewer and demanding a commanding presence of transfixing allure.
Artist Statement
My artwork is a cultural, political, and spiritual examination of the Black experience- juxtaposing contemporary
Black life with my ancestral past. My aim is to construct a mythology through the layering of familiar yet
unexpected images. While I continually experiment with new materials, the narrative style remains consistent
in my work, drawing inspiration from the cut and paste’ nature of Hip Hop and ancient art of African storytelling.
CV
Born, 1975, Kumasi, Ghana.
Lives and works in Houston,Tx.
Education
2005 BA, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Exhibitions/Art fairs
Art fairs
2024 The Houston Art Fair, Reeves Art + Design. Houston, Texas.:
2023 Superfine Art Fair, Magic Box DTLA. Los Angeles, California.
Group Shows
2017 Home, Ouichi Gallery, Brooklyn, New York.
2014 The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston.Texas.
2013 The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston.Texas.
2011 Open Door Series, The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake,Nassau Bay,Texas.
Art Crawl, El Rincon Social, Houston, Texas.
Gambol, Art League Houston, Houston, Texas.
2009 Twelve by Twelve, Betz Gallery, Houston, Texas.
2003 Melange, University of Houston, Houston Texas.
1997 Independence Project, Independence Square, Accra, Ghana.