Born in 1966 to a Ghanaian mother and Togolese father, Gabriel Eklou makes paintings that bring contemporary Ghana into fuller view. Self taught, Eklou maintains that painting brings him closer to nature, his culture and his people in particular. Prolific, Eklou carved a niche for himself with evocative works that tell stories of people combined with ancient cultural symbols and primitive animals. Many are a series of vignettes; paintings within paintings. Whether it is the bustling of the day, market activity or ruling chiefs, a story is unfolding.



His compositions remain unaffected by the art establishment and strong in their individuality and uniqueness. His trademark elongated figures are majestic and proud. They exude inner strength, their stilt like legs stretching deep into the red African soil. They are contemporary Africans; dancing, come home, hunting, working or sitting in quiet contemplation.

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