A Ghana-born and based artist whose works include installations, performances, photography and sculptures that seek to update the visual language of historical images to fit the contemporary – and is also the creator of Afrogallonism, an artistic concept that explores the relationship between the prevalence of the yellow oil gallons in regards to consumption and necessity in the life of the modern African – Clottey plumbs his own psychological depths to discover what makes him love work and life.
What historical art figure would you like to have lunch with and why? Tupac Shakur because he is a powerful figure in hip hop music and I appreciate his intention to uplift the black community.
The Wishing Well, Desert X; photo by Stefan
What did you purchase with the proceeds from your first sale? Art supplies.
What words or phrases do you overuse? Chale! [friend or buddy]
How do you know when a work is finished? When I photograph it and post it on social media.
Gentleman
When and where were you happiest? When I first came to America in 2015.
What is your most treasured possession? My mother’s wardrobe.
Where is your ideal escape destination? The beach.
What’s the worst survival job you’ve ever had? Modeling.
The artist with his work, Feeling cool
What TV series or film from your youth best describes your approach to life? The movie Home Alone.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d like to be taller.
What is your most treasured memory? My first exhibition in Ghana.
I have to be
What makes you smile? Food.
What makes you cry? Life.
What is your go-to drink when you toast to a sale? Whiskey.
Think like a white man
After an all-nighter, what’s your breakfast of champions? Kenky and crabs.
Who inspires you? My father.
What’s your best quality? My skin.
What’s your biggest flaw? My height.
Colored man
What is your current state of mind? Love.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My installation at Desert X.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? Gold.
The artist at Desert X; photo by Stefan
Serge Attukwei Clottey’s exhibition Beyond Skin is on view at Simchowitz Gallery through May 8; The Wishing Well is on view at Desert X through May 16; cover photo by Nii Odzenma
For more information, check out the artist at Instagram
