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Almine Rech

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe

Born in 1988 and raised in Accra, Ghana, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe now lives and works in Portland, Oregon. Quaicoe presents his subjects in the form of portraiture, where he engages with ideas of empowerment through his bright and luminous depictions of figurative portraits. This is embodied in the postures of his sitters, who appear set against vibrant monochromatic backgrounds.

As a young man, Quaicoe developed a fascination with stylized posters seen at the movie theatre in his hometown, Accra. It was there that, one day, he discovered a group of artists painting large canvases for the posters behind the main stage. This was a catalytic moment for Quaicoe, who then began drawing and painting incessantly from collected magazine clippings and ‘anything he could get his hands on’. After his studies at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design and during his photography studies, Quaicoe became deeply involved in the subject of figuration and portraiture, specifically Black portraiture.

Quaicoe began to paint from his photographs, creating highly personal and intimate yet formal and premeditated portraits. In 2019, during his residency at La Brea Studio in Los Angeles, Quaicoe began to work on the style he is known for today, utilizing pure pigment on canvas with thick, coarse textures. The paintings he produced during this period were then exhibited in his first solo show at Roberts Projects, LA.

Quaicoe has exhibited internationally since 2016 and in February 2021, he was selected to complete an artist-in-residence at the Rubell Museum in Miami, Florida.

Selected artworks

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Rodeo Boys, 2022

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Rodeo Boys, 2022

    Oil & Fabric Applique on Canvas
    213.4 x 137.2 cm
    84 x 54 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Overseas and Borders, 2022

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Overseas and Borders, 2022

    Oil and acrylic on canvas with fabric applique
    182.9 x 152.4 cm
    72 x 60 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Jon Gray, 2021

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Jon Gray, 2021

    Oil on Canvas
    243.8 x 182.9 cm
    96 x 72 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Akwele, 2021

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Akwele, 2021

    Oil on canvas
    152.4 x 101.6 cm
    60 x 40 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Trinity, 2021

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Trinity, 2021

    Oil and Glitter on Canvas
    182.9 x 182.9 cm
    72 x 72 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Olivia, 2021

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Olivia, 2021

    Oil and Glitter on Canvas
    152.4 x 182.9 cm
    60 x 72 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Blue Turtle Neck, 2021

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Blue Turtle Neck, 2021

    Oil on canvas
    152.4 x 101.6 cm
    60 x 40 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Barber Shop, 2020

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Barber Shop, 2020

    Oil on canvas
    152.4 x 101.6 cm
    60 x 40 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Rancher, 2020

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Rancher, 2020

    Oil on canvas
    122 x 91.5 cm
    48 x 36 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Sagnsé, 2020

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Sagnsé, 2020

    Oil on canvas
    182.9 x 121.9 cm
    72 x 48 in

  • Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe,                                      Denim Jacket, 2020

    Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe Denim Jacket, 2020

    Oil on canvas
    152.4 x 101.6 cm
    60 x 40 in

Videos

  • PhxArt talks with Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe in conversation with Larry Ossei-Mensah

Selected press

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