Joseph Awumee
My artistic practice is centered on exploring the origins of steel, its histories as well as its role in our society, drawing profound inspiration from the striking visual patterns created by open pit mining, a method used in extracting iron ore for the production of steel.
Biography
Joseph K. Awumee, born in 1998 in Tema, Ghana, is a visionary Ghanaian artist known for his captivating work that explores the origins and transformation of steel. With a B.A. in Industrial Arts, specializing in Metal Product Design from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Joseph has honed his skills and techniques, leading to a constant journey of learning and experimentation.
His practice is characterized by a shift from aluminum to steel panels, driven by the distinctive finish and ready availability of the latter. Joseph’s work delves into the intricate visual patterns inspired by open pit mining and the natural colors of iron ores, incorporating these elements into his sculptures and installations. He employs patina on the surface of the steel to create rust, symbolizing the cycle of steel from raw ore to refined object and back to its natural state. Utilizing industrial tools like the angle grinder and abrasive disks in his work, He finishes them using translucent automotive paint, allowing grind marks on the metal sheets to shine through, resulting in visually stunning patterns that define his artistic style.
Joseph’s work underscores the critical role of steel in modern society, from shaping our infrastructure to its ubiquitous presence in daily life. Through his art, he highlights the transformative journey of steel from raw ore to finished material, inviting viewers to reflect on the material’s profound connection to human industry and the natural world.
CV
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts (Metals), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2020
Group Exhibitions:
- Vortex (Curated by Artswap), Gallery Elle Lokko, Accra, Ghana, 2021
- Greater Than, Less Than: Cloud 9, Ronin Africa, Accra, Ghana. 2023
Residencies:
- Black House Residency (Cohort-A), Busua, Ghana, 2023
Publications:
- Featured in Offto Magazine (Accra Issue), 2020
Collections:
- Kuenyehia Collection