Samuel Kwasi Akonnor to Showcase Artwork at Global Disability Summit Art Expo 2025
Mr. Samuel Kwasi Akonnor, a final-year Art Education student specializing in painting, will present his artistic creations at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) Art Expo 2025. His participation underscores the intersection of creativity and advocacy for individuals with special needs.
The exhibition, titled “Lost in Belongingness,” will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, and Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, in Berlin, Germany, at Berlin Station—a venue chosen to spotlight artwork that explores identity, inclusion, and the societal barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
Curated by contemporary art and culture scholar Dr. Francis Ankyiah, Akonnor’s paintings delve into themes of fragmented identities and the search for belonging. Using a combination of polychromatic and monochromatic layered textures, his work juxtaposes personal identity with both institutional and personal struggles.
Akonnor’s artwork challenges conventional perceptions of able-bodied and disabled individuals, weaving narratives of flexibility and visibility. His pieces merge personal heritage with global conversations on equity and inclusion.
His participation is supported by the Robb Foundation and the University of Education, Winneba, emphasizing the institution’s dedication to nurturing socially engaged artists. Dr. Ankyiah’s curatorial statement describes the exhibition as “a visceral reclamation of voice in spaces of marginalization,” aligning with the summit’s mission to advocate for an inclusive future.
Akonnor’s involvement in the Global Disability Summit Art Expo 2025 not only elevates his growing reputation in contemporary art but also places Ghanaian creativity at the forefront of international disability advocacy. His journey exemplifies how art can serve as a powerful catalyst for empathy and systemic change.
Akonnor’s Exhibition Statement
"Through bold brushwork, I translate my experience of cervical dystonia—a condition that causes my head to involuntarily tilt backward during speech—into visual poetic expressions. My work blends realism with semi-abstract techniques, mirroring the contrast between controlled and uncontrolled movements in my daily life. These are rendered in both polychrome and monochrome acrylic compositions."
"By integrating smooth and rough textures in my self-portraits, I physically manifest the exhaustion of concealing certain thoughts while inviting viewers to engage with them firsthand. My paintings juxtapose defined anatomical elements with fluid abstract movements, illustrating the complex relationship between intentional artistic techniques and the involuntary responses of my nervous system. This interplay reflects the dynamic tension between cognitive intent and instinctual expression in my creative process."
