Bio

 
 

One of the most renowned painters in Ghana today, Larry Otoo likes to refer to himself as a "contemporary traditionalist." Born in Accra, Ghana in 1956, his subject matter is inspired by the everyday activities of ordinary Ghanaians. His vibrant, abstract paintings in oil and acrylic capture the rhythm and beat of daily life. He paints, he says, "to record and preserve our traditions visually."


Otoo holds a Master's Degree in African Art and Comparative Literature from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He has been making art since he was a child, when he used to be scolded for drawing in charcoal on the walls. Otoo has held exhibitions Africa, Europe, and the USA. His paintings decorate Ghana's presidential suite and Ghana's chancery in Washington, D.C. His recent activities include a residency in Segovia, Spain in 2011 with a joint presentation at the Nubuke Foundation in Accra, Ghana.

 

Selected Solo Exhibitions


2011 Happy in Segovia, Residency - Galeria Afrika, Segovia

2009 Meet the Artist Exhibition - Alliance Francaise, Accra

2008 End-of-Residency Show, Vermont Studio Centre, Johnson, VT

2006 Larry Otoo - Headlines Hospitality, Accra

2005 Watershed - Pictorialist Studio, Accra

2004 Contemporary Encounters - Kuaba Gallery, Indianapolis

2002 Isn't It Romantic: Flowers - Leasafric, Accra

2000 Colours of Life - Mmofra Foundation, Accra

1997 Retrospective - National Theatre, Accra

1993 Larry Otoo - Beaux Arts Gallery, Trinity House, Accra

1992 Collector's Items - Goethe Institut, Accra

1988 Otoo '88 - British Council, Accra

1987 Holland Calling - University of Ghana, Legon / with KLM airlines

1987 Fontomfrom - Goethe Institut, Accra

1987 Impressionism Africa - Arts Circle Gallery, Munich

1983 Culture Recalled - The Loom, Accra

1981 Courage in Heritage – USIS American Center


Selected Group Exhibitions


2010 Pulse the Pulse: Portrait of Accra - ACC Gallery, Weimar

2010 Jamestown Mantse Exhibition - Goethe Institut, Accra

2009 Nsoroma: Legacy of Joe Nkrumah - Dei Centre, Accra

2006 Four Ghanaian Artists - Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre (KAIPTC)

2002 Ghana - S.B.K. Kunsthal, Amsterdam

2002 Body Electric (Valentine Show) - National Theatre, Accra

2001 Just Women - Artists Alliance, Accra

2001 Akwaaba - Basilica del Santo, Padova

2001 African Strides - Mmili Nma Center (opening), Lagos

2000 Save our Soul 51st Anniversary - Novotel, Accra

2000 A Slice of Contemporary African Art - Gallery B: Fors, Stockholm and Frederiksberg City Hall, Copenhagen

1999 4-Man Show - Leasafric, Accra

1999 30th Anniversary - The Loom Gallery, Accra

1998 International Contemporary Art Fair - Arte Fiera, Bologna

1997 Cross Currents: Journeys Within the Diaspora - Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis

1996 Wiz, Larry, Kofi - Loft des Artistes Gallery, Abidjan

1996 Art in Corporate Environment - National Theatre, Accra

1996 Rise With the Sun Women and African - York Quay Centre Gallery, Toronto

1994 Sixteen: Exhibition of Paintings and Prints - Savannah Gallery of Modern African Art, London

1993 Larry Otoo and Kofi Setordji - Bosman's House, Accra

1992 Paradox of the New - Laing Art Gallery, New Castle Upon-Tyne

1993 A Grain of Wheat - Commonwealth Institute, London / with the Addax & Oryx Group, Ltd.

1990 Volunteer Service Overseas: Auction for the World - The Mall Galleries, London

1990 Portobelle Festival - London

1989 Africa Meets Africa - Pan-African Writers Association, Artists Alliance, Accra

1987 "Ghana" at IFA Gallerie - Bonn

1984 28th Ghana Independence Anniversary Art Exhibition - Westbourne Gallery, London

1984 Selected Ghanaian Artists - The Modern African Art Gallery, Accra

1984 27th Ghana Independence Anniversary Art Exhibition - Ghanaian Embassy in London

1981 BBC Silver Jubilee Art Exhibition - London


Special Commissions and Works in Important Public Collections


Artists Alliance - Accra

Cal Merchant Bank - Accra

Dei Centre - Accra

Ghana's Washington Chancery - Washington, D.C.

Johnson Wax, Head Office - Accra

Mövenpick Hotel - Accra

Noguchi Memorial Institut - Tokyo

Presidential Suite, Kwame Nkrumah Conference Centre - Accra

UNICEF House - Accra

World Bank Office - Accra

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