God among Men! How Emmanuel Taku Reclaims Black Identity In His Famous Artwork

Emmanuel Taku may use superheroes and gods as springboards for his work, but for the Ghanaian painter, it boils down to everyday representations of men and women. Growing up, he didn’t see people like himself in the stereotypical depictions of power featured in books, movies, and cartoons. In an attempt to reclaim and reframe Black identity, his most sought-after works feature individuals standing in solidarity and letting their innate beauty and strength shine through through their stature and clothing. Indeed, the artist also wants to someday become something of God himself, by nurturing creative associates at his home base in Accra and giving them the opportunity to reach the top as well. Here, he tells The Daily how it all started.

What kind of child were you, and what are your earliest memories of art?
Growing up, I loved reading story books and looking at colors and paints. As a very young child, I loved to draw; I draw on my bedroom wall and in whatever book I can get my hands on. That’s how it all started, and I knew I was going to be an artist. I studied at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design. After that, I did a little teaching, and now I’m a professional artist.

Is anyone in your family an artist?
There were no artists in my family, but I grew up in a compound house and there was a man who was a painter. He is not a professional artist, but I was close to him and I saw him paint. He helped me to try painting, so that’s where the interest came from.

How does it feel to be recognized for your work?
I feel blessed to have this opportunity and opportunity. It is not easy to reach the international level, especially so quickly. Some amazing artists have been doing this for decades and have yet to be seen or recognized. I had my first exhibition in Ghana last year, following my Noldor Artist Residency. Through it, the owner of the Maruani Mercier gallery in Brussels saw it and reached out.

Go-Go Sisters in Red, Acrylic on canvas, 2021

Didn’t you initially sell your work via Instagram?
All I am today is through Instagram! That’s how the founder of the Residency of Noldor found me. He called me and it all started there. Without Instagram, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Do you remember the first painting you sold?
One of my old paintings, but I can’t remember the name!

Talk us through your process.
Sometimes I plan, but mostly it comes to me subconsciously. I browse social media and try to find an image that matches what I have in mind. Sometimes, I can’t find the right image I want to put on my canvas, so I pose and do what I see in my mind and snap it. I don’t paint my own face. I use gods and superheroes.

Eyes are always empty. What does it mean?
I remember watching Man of Steel and Superman, and when they reached that level of power, their pupils disappeared and they had white eyes. To me, it signifies strength.

Your figure often wears beautiful textiles as a nod to the women around you. Tell us about the reference.
I grew up with a sister who was always at her sewing machine. She likes to use floral fabrics; I think he got it from my mother. I didn’t even know I did it; I did it unconsciously. Just one day I was interviewed and asked about the textiles I connected with my sister.

Friendship, Acrylic on canvas, 2021

Is the textile you depicted from your imagination or does it really exist?
It came to me naturally. I design fabrics, such as floral prints, on the computer before I transfer them to canvas. I thought, “If I combine this and this…” and then I see what happens.

Do you follow fashion yourself?
I like fashion. I would choose a fashion show over a football match!

Why did you choose to base yourself in Accra?
I love seeing people around me, people I grew up with. Where I grew up. It brings back a lot of memories. I like to travel, but I always want to go home and see people like me.

When did you first describe your subjects as gods and heroes?
I started this body of work with residency last year. The residency you are participating in also helps maintain mental health with personal guidance. How does it help you grow? After [first stage of the] residency, I’m really exhausted. I had this week with a psychotherapist and he took me through this mental health journey. I didn’t have that before. It was very helpful because I could relax, be close to nature, and regain my strength and all the energy I had lost. I was much stronger mentally after that. I would love to see a professional like that once a year.

In your signature work, your subject is rarely alone. Is it a conscious choice?
In my country, there is a saying that a broom can be easily broken, but when you tie it, it becomes difficult to break. Uniting two people signifies strength and consolidation. I want to make it look like everything is possible when we come together. When we get together, it doesn’t matter what color your skin is—white, black, or something else. If we are united, there is nothing we cannot do. Nothing can break us because we think the same way and we want to build and achieve it. If we fight each other and fight, push, pull, then we can’t get to the top. That’s why we must unite, so that we can fight and become strong. That’s why I tried to make them look like one person.

Spirituality is also a recurring theme. Why is that?
In my country, we believe that the most powerful things begin with the invisible. They are more powerful than the things we see with the naked eye. Because I project black men as superheroes, I try to bring to life what we don’t see with my brushes, paints and newspapers. I try to bring things that we don’t see but believe to be strong. I want the person who sees this to believe that what he is thinking is stronger than he is. He could reach the same level of strength.

How about using newspapers in your work?
It represents what is happening in my country. I want to document what’s going on with words and letters. I also believe that words can make us or break us. The words we receive, we become. I go with the flow, but place letters and words that viewers can put together in a positive way. If we want to change and become better people, we must change the words we receive. Even if they are negative.

Yellow Brother Guard, Acrylic on canvas, 2021

What words have the most impact on you?
I read this book that changed my life. It’s called The Secret of the Ages, by Robert Collier. I started to accept some words and reject some. It helps me to realize that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Anything is possible! If you can think it, then you can have it.

What is your hobby?
I like watching movies, and I love poetry.

What drives you?
I thought that if I allowed myself to dream and pushed myself further, I would also be able to realize other dreams. I think if I can get to the top, I can also help other artists rise to the top. It gave me the strength to work hard. I’ve struggled; I know what it’s like. I want to help artists in Ghana. Some of these artists, they are very good but have no exposure and don’t know where to go. Even though I’m not in the art world, I want to help other creatives who want to achieve something. If I can, I want to be someone else’s God too, if I can.

What inspires you?
The books I read years ago and social media.

How do you relax?
I love water! Going to the beach or the pool is a great way to relax.

What artist will always be your idol?
I would say that artist No. 1 that I admire is [Ghanian painter] Amoako Boafo. And I use newspaper [in my artwork] actually inspired by [Japanese conceptual artist] In Kawara.

What’s next for you?
I have a show called It Takes Two—Temple of the Gods with M Arts Foundation currently in Shanghai through December 18th. Also, the Lévy Gorvy gallery will display two paintings in their booth at the ART021 exhibition in Shanghai. I’m also preparing for two solo shows in 2022.

Interesting!
Great things are coming!