Impressionist Painting Unveiled: Inside Bibianna Studio with Kwesi Koo's Gallery Debut and Latest Collection
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Time to read 4 min
“I paint what I know, what I see, and what I feel,” says Koo. “Each face holds a spirit, a message. The face paint is not costume; it’s identity. It is how we tell our stories, how we celebrate, how we remember.”
Step into the vibrant world of Impressionist painting as we unveil the latest collection from Bibianna Studio, featuring the much-anticipated gallery debut of Ghanian artist Kwesi Koo.
This exhibition not only highlights Koo's unique perspective on the impressionist style but also invites art lovers to explore the intricate emotions captured within each masterpiece. As colors swirl and brushstrokes dance on the canvas, Koo transforms everyday scenes into breathtaking expressions of beauty and light. Join us on a captivating journey through the studio, where creativity meets emotion, and discover how Kwesi Koo redefines the boundaries of impressionism. Whether you're an avid collector or new to the art scene, this unveiling promises to ignite your passion for painting and offer fresh insights into the evolution of impressionist art. Don’t miss the chance to experience a collection that celebrates both tradition and innovation in the art world.
More Than Beautification: The Ritual Language of Face Painting in Kwesi Koo’s Work. A contemporary celebration of ancestral storytelling through portraiture
In a world increasingly obsessed with the visual, the work of Ghanaian artist Kwesi Koo reaches beyond surface beauty to connect with something far deeper: ancestral memory. At Bibianna, we are thrilled to present his latest series, Much More Than Beautification — a stirring and vibrant homage to the ancient practice of African face painting. These large-scale portraits don’t just capture faces; they channel spirit, identity, and ritual in vivid, unflinching detail.
"Much More Than Beautification Series - 4." Kwesi Koo
As an art historian or curator might observe, Koo’s technique merges the controlled confidence of post-impressionism with the emotive energy of ritualistic art. His brushwork is deliberate yet loose, layered with vibrant colours that pulse with life. Every portrait in this series embodies a visual language once used to signify power, protection, community, and transformation.
Face painting has held ceremonial significance across African communities for millennia. From the Karo tribe of Ethiopia to the Yoruba masquerade traditions in Nigeria, body markings have functioned as a form of storytelling, social ranking, spiritual invocation, and protection. Materials used ranged from ground ochre and charcoal to plant-based dyes and animal fats. Patterns were not decorative afterthoughts but sacred signs passed down through generations.
"Much More Thank Beautification Series - 5" Kwesi Koo Nyarkoh
Standing in front of one of Koo’s portraits, you don’t just see colour—you feel history. His work reminds us that beauty has always had a deeper purpose in African culture. It speaks not only to aesthetics but to survival, memory, and joy. These paintings are both deeply personal and universally resonant. They speak across borders and time.
In Conversation with the Artist: Kwesi Koo Speaks
“I always say I became an artist by default,” Kwesi Koo admits with a smile. Originally enrolling in art school as a way to join the football team, he quickly found himself redirected after being told he had extraordinary potential in art. That turning point set the foundation for what would become a vibrant and expressive body of work.
His creative process begins with real-life inspiration — photographs taken at traditional festivals and rites — which he curates and sketches before building each piece layer by layer. Acrylic is his preferred medium, and he often uses an undercoat technique: first washing the canvas in a middle tone, then patiently asserting the details. “Every painting is worth the time spent on it,” he reflects, noting that no single piece stands above the rest — they all hold equal value in his eyes.
Kwesi is also a passionate educator. Few people know he’s authored a widely used textbook on drawing and painting that’s now part of the art curriculum in Ghanaian schools. When asked about future goals, he shares his dream to publish more educational books and continue nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian artists.
And if he hadn’t picked up a brush? “I’d probably be a retired footballer,” he laughs. The best advice he’s ever received? “Never try to get it perfect — or you’ll never finish the painting.”
WHY IT MATTERS.
In an age where African aesthetics are often borrowed and diluted, Kwesi Koo reclaims visual sovereignty with sensitivity and pride. His works stand as visual declarations: We are not a trend. We are the origin. And through Bibianna, we are proud to amplify this voice.
Visit the Gallery at www.bibianna.co.uk / Artsy
You can view Much More Than Beautification exclusively at Bibianna. We invite curators, collectors, interior stylists, and art lovers to discover the depth and elegance of this extraordinary series.
“Every painting is worth the time spent on it,”
Bibianna's mission: CELEBRATE, EMPOWER, AND ELEVATE CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART ON A GLOBAL STAGE
OUR GALLERY IS A HAVEN FOR THOSE WHO APPRECIATE THE FUSION OF TRADITION AND CONTEMPORARY CREATIVITY IN AFRICAN ART. EXPLORE A CURATED COLLECTION THAT CELEBRATES THE DIVERSE TAPESTRY OF AFRICAN CULTURE.
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Caroline is the founder of Bibianna African Art Collective, an online platform dedicated to spotlighting emerging and contemporary African artists. With a passion for bridging cultural narratives and global audiences, Caroline works to amplify artistic voices that challenge, inspire, and uplift. When not curating exhibitions or writing, Caroline advocates for creative opportunities that empower African artists across the diaspora.
Table of contents
More Than Beautification: The Ritual Language of Face Painting in Kwesi Koo’s Work. A contemporary celebration of ancestral storytelling through portraiture In Conversation with the Artist: Kwesi Koo Speaks Bibianna's Mission: Celebrate, empower and elevate Contemporary African art on a global stage.
