On Ghana And Youth Culture: Inside David Nana Opoku Ansah’s Tender Portraits Of His Homeland

Africa’s cultural scene has birthed some of the world’s most famed creatives over the years: From music to fashion, the arts to the entertainment industry, reference points thrive aplenty. Now, ready to take centre stage is Ghanaian photographer David Nana Opoku Ansah, whose emotionally-charged photographs celebrate the influx of his country’s community and enticing heritage. Hailed as one of the most talented, ground-breaking artists of Ghana, his images are indisputably oozed with feel-good energy, showcasing a tender layer of emotions making their presence known. Ansah speaks about why youth culture and freedom are important to him, stating, “I always want my subjects to have a sense of freedom and exist in the world they have in their heads. Sometimes, I see myself as the subjects or are a reflection of what I want to portray or represent with my images.” His storytelling glides smoothly over fresh visual offerings for a modern-day picturesque moment, thick with emotion, guiding us through who David truly is.“Labels aren’t for me,” he warmly tells me over the phone, thereby inducting me into his world with a smile to his face. “I don’t think I’ve learnt to fit in boxes. I don’t want to learn to fit in either.” The works are extremely personal to the artist, and each photograph is a transformation of his feelings into “real-life” compositions, accompanied by a whole lot of heart. In light of this year’s disruptions seeped through the global arts sector, Ansah spoke to Vogue about the relationship with his country, artistic influences and what’s to come.What first inspired you creatively?A whole lot. I have base inspirations that run across a wide range of mediums and ones that happen at a moment. It varies based on who I want to be, who I am around or how I feel at the time. Personal experiences, Tumblr, friends who feel like home and family, community, films and other image makers. There’s just something about youth culture and the need to find freedom that really moves me. You always find a way to weave in Ghanaian history and stories of everyday life into your photographs…I would like to relive some moments in the past. The James Barnor and Felicia Ansah era. Those images have a sense of community I would like to feel and since I cannot live or experience that. I feel I can recreate those. Community means a lot for Ghanaians. What was it starting out in Ghana as a photographer?Starting photography in Ghana…

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Source: vogue.it