Hamid Nii Nortey

Hamid Nii Nortey’s vibrant figurative paintings explore Ghana’s rapidly changing social landscape. Growing up in Accra, he witnessed the city’s transformation, which deeply influences his work. Nortey’s paintings focus on diverse social classes and generational shifts, conveyed through his distinctive cross-hatching technique applied to the skin of his figures. This texture contrasts with his smooth, Impressionist-inspired color palette, blending sienna browns to burnt siennas to evoke both the visual and tactile qualities of natural skin. Beginning with playful, detailed sketches, Nortey’s portraits develop into lifelike, animated impressions. Architectural elements and varied perspectives add depth to his compositions, inviting viewers to engage emotionally and physically with the stories of his subjects. Central to his work are the eyes, which he views as the primary channel for human emotion and non-verbal communication. Through his art, Nortey creates a dialogue between subject and viewer, aiming to capture the spirit, heritage, and untold stories of his community. His paintings inspire feelings of pride, honor, and humor, offering a profound glimpse into lives often overlooked. ...