Dennis Owusu-Ansah is a 26-year-old visual artist who was inspired after an incident of cultural insensitivity to portray popular Black celebs in traditional African wardrobe.
“I figured something must be done to change the perspective of people who are not familiar with the African culture … They had no idea what my friend was wearing,” he said. “One of the guys shouted, ‘That man has a blanket wrapped around his body like it’s winter time.’ I saw this incident as an opportunity to educate people about who we are, and what we stand for through my art … Africa isn’t only about what the media portrays on television. [It is] a continent rich in history, diversity and traditions,” Owusu-Ansah said in an interview with CNN.
This particular incident propelled him to make art that empowers, educates and celebrates all forms of Blackness. His art captures his subjects’ likeness all while educating his fans about the wide variety and richness that traditional African fashion offers. Owusu-Ansah’s work has attracted a large following on Instagram, where he currently has well over 18,000 followers. In fact, Meagan Good, one of his celebrity subjects, gave him a shout out.
Owusu-Ansah joins the ranks of other artists using social media to show off their talents. Here are some of his great works below:
Chief Shawn “Ugonna” Jay Z Carter
Meagan “Omotola” Good
Nicki Maame Akua Amponsah
Robyn Rihanna Amahle Fenty
Sean Puffy Nana Antwi Combs
Taraji “Awande” Henson
