ARTIST STATEMENT

by

Benedicta Opoku-Mensah

Originating from Ghana, a country where the field of art is often disregarded, and sculpture is mistakenly perceived as a male-dominated pursuit. The disparity is obvious; of the roughly twenty-five female students in my undergraduate program, I am the only one who is unwaveringly commitment to pursuing a career in the arts. Rather than assigning blame, I acknowledge the challenges faced by my peers who opt for more conventional career paths. Having been in a similar position, I understand the difficulties that come with deciding on a career that deviates from social conventions, especially in a society where gender preconceptions about artists are prominent. Choosing a path less traveled means embarking on a career journey without the full support of society, and at times, even from one’s own family and friends. As a multidisciplinary artist, I communicate ideas through hybrid objects, performances, sculpture, poems, video, and installation. I narrate my journey of self-discovery, navigating between two distinct realms: the world created for me by society and the one I shape for myself blurring the line between the gender binary and their roles. I explore the tension between these contrasting realms, delving into my choices, uncertainties, and the intrinsic challenges by manipulating materials traditionally associated with one gender to craft pieces traditionally linked to the opposite gender. My art serves as a medium to confront the preconceived notions surrounding the self, identity, and gender stereotypes, aiming to question their prevailing status quo. With each piece I create, I invite viewers to join me in the reflection on various aspects of gender existence and encourage active participation in a dialogue centered around change, growth, self-discovery, and self-realization. My art prompts viewers to question unaware accepted limitations and advocate for a future defined by uniqueness and equality.