Faces and figures emerge from Isshaq Ismail's canvas, bearing a surreal visage that captivates and perplexes in equal measure. Lips are magnified, noses take on impressionistic whimsy, and bodies embody a two-dimensional enchantment. In these visual symphonies, Ismail turns the spotlight on the grotesque, challenging society's fixation on beauty and coaxing us to confront the unexplored realms of human appearance. It's a daring act of rebellion against the conventional—a siren call to rethink our notions of allure and aesthetic.
Born in 1989 in Ghana, Isshaq Ismail is a captivating visual artist whose oeuvre is a masterpiece of abstract brilliance and an unconventional approach to figurative painting.
Having studied at the renowned Ghanatta College of Art and Design from 2009 to 2012, Ismail's journey has been marked by an evolution in his approach. His artistic odyssey led him to explore the realm of grotesque images, driven by conversations about place, identity, and the impact of 21st-century social and political realities.
A perceptive observer of the world, Ismail translates emotions, atmospheres, and moods into the figures he portrays. Drawing from encounters during public transport rides in Accra or interactions at the marketplace, Ismail's portraits capture the gamut of emotions that people navigate in their daily lives.
His art bridges the gap between personal narratives and collective experiences, making a poignant commentary on the human condition. The result is an unvarnished glimpse into the ways in which social and political realities distort and reshape our lives, providing a platform to understand and challenge prevailing narratives while navigating the complexities of survival and freedom.
Ismail's portraits exude a childlike wonder, challenging the notion of perfection in art. Imperfections become symbols of authenticity, a reminder that life itself is a masterpiece of highs and lows.
Beneath the surface of Ismail's canvases lies a narrative he terms "infantile semi-abstraction." It's a technique that fuses the sophistication of mature artistry with the raw energy of childhood creativity. Every layer of paint, every gestural line, and every impasto stroke unveils the complex layers of the human condition in our modern world. It's a symphony that echoes the ebb and flow of life, inviting viewers to journey beyond the surface and into the depths of emotion.
His figures possess an otherworldly quality that speaks to a collective human experience—an experience marked by shared joys and communal sorrows. These visages traverse beyond individual stories, offering a reflection of the broader human narrative. His characters, rendered in vibrant hues that defy any single color categorization, exude an allure that transcends racial or ethnic boundaries. They transcend gender, ethnicity, and social class, serving as universal symbols of shared human emotion.
In 2015 and 2016, Ismail's exceptional talent garnered recognition, as he was shortlisted among the top ten finalists for the Kuenyehia Art Prize for Contemporary Ghanaian Arts. During the same period, he secured a spot as one of the Top 100 finalists at the Barclays L'Atelier Art Competition, hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa. Notably, he exhibited his painting "Imperfections," a testament to his ability to resonate with audiences across diverse platforms.
Nurtured within Ismail's artistic tapestry lies a profound philosophical underpinning—a universal resonance that permeates each of his meticulously crafted figures. Through his artistry, he beckons us to peel away the layers of superficial distinction and acknowledge the profound commonality that unites us all.
In a world marred by division, Ismail's portraits become a testament to the unifying power of art. In a stroke of genius, he bridges the gap between individuality and universality, reminding us that we are all, at our core, human.