Artist Profile: Henry Obeng
Henry Obeng is a Ghanaian-born artist who received a BA in Fine Art from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. Also, he received his MFA from the University of Wisconsin Madison, USA in May 2022.
Henry creates handmade paper from plant fibers and upcycled textile waste, revealing the unique characteristics of each fiber. As well as substrates, these papers are used in his photographic storytelling illustrations. These photographic illustrations explore ideas informed by the natural world, along with his observations and experiences as an international person moving between cultures. Rooted in handpapermaking and place, his interdisciplinary practice reconnects people to the voice of the environment. Henry transforms plant fibers, site materials and textile materials into expansive installations, analog photos and prints on paper, and textured embedded papers.
His artwork intersects the fields of hand papermaking, contemporary craft, book arts, ecological art, public art, community building, installation art, printmaking, and analog/digital photography. Henry is an emerging artist who has taught multiple workshops and exhibited widely. He has received artist residencies, grants, and fellowships. Henry was invited to join the diversity committee for the North American Hand Papermaking Association. Also, he has been included in the Hand Papermaking Magazine’s 14th portfolio of handmade paper, a highly regarded, international, bi-annual portfolio showcasing some of the best work in hand papermaking by artists.
Could you share a bit about how you learned to make paper? Do you remember one of the first times you made paper -- were you instantly drawn to it, or did that take some time?
During my bachelor’s degree in Ghana, I was introduced to the fascinating world of papermaking. I vividly recall crafting my first sheet of paper from jute sacks, commonly used for packaging goods like cocoa and charcoal for export within Ghana and beyond. The transformative process of turning these humble sacks into delicate sheets of paper captivated me. It resonated deeply with my artistic passion for sustainability, allowing me to breathe new life into discarded materials and explore the beauty of creative reuse.
What roles do community and history have on your art?
My art is deeply influenced by the intertwined narratives of community and history, particularly focusing on the themes of migration and displacement. These elements are not just backdrops, but integral parts of my creative expression, shaping both the subject matter and the emotional resonance of my work. By weaving together community and history, my art seeks to create a holistic narrative that honors the past while reflecting on the present. It is a celebration of the interconnectedness of life, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of migration and the enduring spirit of those who journey through it.
How do your different arts and disciplines work together or even in opposition at times?
My creative practice is a confluence of various arts and disciplines, each bringing a unique perspective and enriching my overall body of work. The interplay between papermaking, photography, Screen printing, and painting allows for a dynamic exploration of themes, sometimes working harmoniously and other times presenting intriguing tensions. At times, the slow, deliberate process of papermaking contrasts sharply with the immediacy of photography. This opposition challenges me to balance patience with spontaneity, finding a rhythm that allows both disciplines to inform and enhance each other. The combination of screen printing and painting allows me to create layered narratives that speak to both individual and collective experiences. The imagery elements often serve as metaphors for the subjects’ inner lives, adding complexity and depth to the work of art. The diverse arts and disciplines in my work interact in a continuous dance of collaboration and opposition. This dynamic interplay not only enriches my creative process but also deepens the impact of my art, inviting viewers to explore the complex relationships between different aspects of life. Through this integration, I strive to create work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, bridging the gap between art and the natural world.
What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books and/or book talks, spoken word events and/or films you’re hoping to check out this season in Wisconsin or virtually?
I usually go with the flow of events I come across, but right now I’m reading a book titled Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.