William Kwaku Adzraku, is a self-taught Ghanaian artist active in Ghana and well represented abroad. Having lived in a mountainous area, coupled with his love for nature, his works are to a great extent influenced by rocks which gives him a technique that brings out the finished painting as a sculpted stone on canvas. His innovative use of oil and acrylic on canvas, as well as, the unique rocky effect in his works, gives his paintings some uncommon appeal reflective of 3D images. His paintings essentially have the identity of African art but have been largely described as “liberal art”. Having in mind the diversity of cultures and values in the globalized world, his artworks are created within the context of daily economic and social themes to fit perfectly into any culture while maintaining the fundamental message.
Adzraku’s works are primarily abstract and semi-abstract and are mostly faceless with each piece carrying a unique identity and a peculiar character relative to the subject. As a result of his constant study of rocks, Adzraku through his mind’s eye and upon a closer look at the rocky formations, virtually sees faceless images beautifully carved with cracks carefully defining their contours. This rocky environment has largely influenced his style of painting and serves as a great source of inspiration. As a corollary, these elements of rocky cracks have become a permanent feature in his paintings as a symbol of identity. Each glance at his paintings, almost always presents a different and fresh perspective to viewers who discover certain images or new angles that appeal to them uniquely.
William Kwaku Adzraku was born in Accra on 16th February, 1966, and is originally from the Volta Region of Ghana. His professional art career began in 1994, following which he successfully participated in his first group exhibition held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra. This successful event propelled him further the following year to successfully hold a Solo exhibition at the Canadian High Commission in Accra in 1996. Since then he has participated in series of group exhibitions locally and internationally. Adzraku holds an Advanced Certificate in Painting and Decorating from Ho Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Entrepreneurship from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and an MBA from the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Kariskroma, Sweden. He has received several private and corporate commissions and his paintings are widely collected in Ghana and around the world.