Ghanaian Artist Rekindles Forgotten Histories Through Sculpture
Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo harnesses the power of sculpture to honor the victims of slavery and foster restorative justice. At his Nkyinkyim Museum, thousands of life-sized and miniature heads emerge from the earth, forming a deeply emotional tribute to Africans lost during the transatlantic slave trade. Akoto-Bamfo’s installations, rooted in Akan funerary traditions, evoke the pain, memory, and resilience of the enslaved, blending art with ceremony and healing. From Ghana to the US, his work—like the interactive Blank Slate Monument—sparks global conversations around racism and remembrance. Though once seen as controversial, he now inspires change through what he calls “uncomfortable dialogue.” His work is driven by a deep commitment to justice and collective healing.
The Conversation
