Dr. Bayliss, Ezra Appiah addressing guests at the exhibition centre
Absa L’Atelier, Absa Bank’s pan-African visual arts programme, has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing African artistic talent as it marks its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of creating opportunities for emerging artists across the continent.
The milestone brought renewed attention to the achievements of Ghanaian artist Ezra Appiah, reflecting the programme’s continued role in supporting artistic growth and recognition. The celebration was marked by the unveiling of “Family Album: A New and a Reborn Version,” a solo exhibition by Ezra Appiah, a 2024 Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador, at The Mix Design Hub in Accra.
The exhibition runs until November 27, 2026, and follows his two-month residency at the Kromdraai Creativity and Impact Hub in South Africa.
Speaking at the exhibition opening, Dr. Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist, Art and Museum Curator at Absa and Project Lead for Absa L’Atelier, highlighted the importance of sustained institutional support in helping emerging African artists develop their practices, expand their professional networks and connect with audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Also addressing the gathering, Nii Cyril Nai, Head of Internal Communications and Sponsorships at Absa Bank Ghana, highlighted the bank’s broader commitment to supporting the arts and celebrating Ghanaian creative talent. His remarks reinforced the importance of initiatives such as Absa L’Atelier in creating platforms for artists to develop their work, gain recognition and connect with wider audiences.
At the centre of the Accra exhibition is Appiah’s exploration of family, memory, identity and belonging. Drawing on personal archives, family photographs and lived experiences, the artist examines how family histories are remembered, preserved and interpreted across generations.
Addressing guests at the opening, Appiah expressed appreciation to Absa and the Absa L’Atelier team for their support, as well as to the partners, creatives and guests who attended. He also shared insights on Absa L’Atelier at 40 into his creative process, taking audiences through selected works and explaining the personal experiences, inspiration and motivations behind the exhibition.
The celebration also highlighted Ghana’s success in the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art competition, with Ghanaian photographer and visual artist Reginald Kofi Boateng named among the three recipients of the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award.
The winners were announced at the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair held in South Africa on October 10, 2026, as part of the competition’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The 2026 Ambassador Award offers recipients access to mentorship, masterclasses and an international residency, alongside an opportunity to stage a solo exhibition with support towards production materials.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke