Kwadwo Ani is a young renowned Ghanaian painter who describes himself as a naïve artist; Ani has represented Ghana and Africa on the international scene in several exhibitions. Kwadwo Ani recently exhibited some of his works at an exhibition in Accra. Ani, explains why he is known as the naïve artist. "I have a childlike approach towards my work, thus it makes my work look like a naïve person portraying the images".
 
Although Kwadwo Ani views his work as childlike, he is very emphatic that his art pieces are not childish; his themes are deep and arouse the sensibilities of those who see his work. Kwadwo uses his images to depict all the social facets of life, be it greed, friendship, hard work, politics and other touching subjects.
 
Some of his works are titled Tug of War, Last meal, Monopoly, Night Fishermen, My Reliable Friend and No Pain, No Gain. Kwadwo Ani uses his paint and brush to depict images that are caricatures, but tell a serious story with the childlike cartoon images, which still maintains an intellectual approach to his work. He says, "My art pieces bring humor to the public though the themes address serious issues that pertain in our African societies".
 
Kwadwo has represented Ghana at several international exhibitions; some of the exhibitions include the Royal Over-Seas League Scholars in 2003. Kwadwo represented Africa at this inter continental exhibition in London, United Kingdom. He has also participated in an exhibition in Vermont, U.S.A, dubbed Ghana to Vermont, U.S.A, BINA Abidjan 2000 & Galerie Typic Design Abidjan among many others.
 
Some of the exhibitions that Ani has participated in Ghana include, Quinzaine De la Francophone 2003, Art in Action, Blues at the British Council, Science Museum, Accra, Children of Hope, Novotel, Accra, Ghana 43 and Child Art, Novotel, Accra, SOS Exhibition, Novotel, Naïve Art- My Millennium Milestone, Telfer Art Gallery, I Still Stand Tall and UNESCO Associated School Project network Telfer Art Gallery.
 
Ani was born in Accra, Ghana on March 21, 1966, he talks about his humble beginning when he used to work in his father's bus as a driver's mate. He graduated at Ankle College of Art with a Diploma in Practical painting. Kwadwo Ani also has a Diploma in Painting from the Ghanatta College of Art. Kwadwo Ani is managed by one of Ghana's ace art collectors, Telfer's Gallery.
 
Although Kwadwo Ani's work in the art world has not been all rosy, his perseverance has earned him a place amongst Ghana's celebrated artists on the international scene.
 
Credit - Real African Art Gallery