Omenaa Mensah captured the attention of the art world at the 8th edition of Accra Cultural Week in Ghana. The philanthropist and art collector of Ghanaian heritage joined art experts from Tate Modern and Sotheby’s. According to Artprice, works by African artists reach up to Euro 9.3M at auctions and continue to increase in value.
Omenaa Mensah by the painting of Amoako Boafo. Photo. Jacek Poremba
Paul Ninson, Omenaa Mensah, Natalia Bradbury. Photo. Jacek Poremba
I gained knowledge from the best through prestigious courses at the Royal College of Art and Sotheby's Institute of Art, where I explored the latest trends in art and the intricacies of investing in high-growth-potential works. This experience helped me form a clear vision for developing the TOP CHARITY Auction, as well as shaping our future art collection, building international partnerships and selecting works that will support our business guests in diversifying their investment portfolios. I carry out all this with the utmost attention to quality and standards recognized by global art institutions. The Royal College of Art and Sotheby's Institute of Art have been invited to collaborate in our next event edition.
Omenaa Mensah
Marta Cienkowska. Photo. Jacek Poremba
The trip to Ghana showed me how detached we in the Western world are from essential values like interpersonal relationships, closeness to nature, music and dance—things that felt like living works of art in Ghana. This experience made me realize that I don’t need to look for art in traditional forms because nearly every meter of what I saw was art.
Igor Dobrowolski
It was an intense experience that allowed me to view social, economic and environmental issues from a practical rather than theoretical perspective. Engaging with African culture and local artists made me realize how art can raise social awareness and inspire change, becoming an active voice in the debate about the future.
Ida Karkoszka
At last, we have a museum with enough space to display large-scale installations. Ibrahim Mahama and El Anatsui are known for their monumental works that captivate audiences worldwide. We hope the Museum of Modern Art will showcase works by African artists, inviting Polish audiences into a dialogue with the incredibly dynamic and diverse world of African art.
Natalia Bradbury, Head of OmenaArt Foundation
On the African art market, I was captivated by the extraordinary solidarity among artists—they do not compete with each other but form one big family. I often met top creators who proudly introduced me to their successful colleagues without fear that I, as a collector, might choose others’ works. This honesty and community deeply moved me.
Omenaa Mensah
Larry Amponsah, Omenaa Mensah, Rita Mawuena Benissan and other artists at Accra Cultural Week. Photo. OmenaArt Foundation
Rita Mawuena Benissan and Omenaa Mensah. Photo. Jacek Poremba
My work focuses on preserving Ghana's history and the traditions of chieftaincy, using embroidery, film, photography, and traditional Ghanaian objects to create narratives that reinterpret and honour archival history. Through my art, I strive to transform how we perceive ourselves in the context of the past, present and future, building a shared commitment to protecting our cultural heritage.
Rita Mawuena Benissan
Serge Attukwei Clottey speaking. Photo. Jacek Poremba
Ghana is home to important artists who have gained renown on the contemporary art scene. Artists like Ibrahim Mahama, Serge Attukwei Clottey, and Amoako Boafo support their communities and inspire future generations of artists and thinkers. Their intentional presence in Ghana is one reason their works evolve and reflect contemporary relevance. El Anatsui serves as a mentor for artists living and creating in Ghana and Africa, and his monumental sculptures, present in every major institution, are accessible for those who live in Africa to engage with. All of these local energies invigorate and drive our contemporary art community.
Azu Nwagbogu, Nigerian art curator and founder and director of the African Artists’ Foundation
Omenaa Mensah, Ibrahim Mahama, Boris Kudlicka. Photo. OmenaArt Foundation