BE OPEN Regional Art Competition Acknowledges Talents from West Africa
The BE OPEN Regional Art competition, developed by the humanitarian think tank led by Elena Baturina, has proudly announced its winners from West Africa. Running from October to December, the competition attracted numerous talented young artists from countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Supported by organizations like the African Heritage Centre, the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), the Association Arts Burkina, and the National Gallery of Art in Abuja, the competition highlighted the commitment to supporting local talent in the region.
This year’s title of "Artist of the Region," along with a 500 Euro scholarship, was awarded to Ahmed Partey, a contemporary artist residing in Accra, Ghana. Partey draws heavy inspiration from West African masks, sculptures, patterns, and symbols. His unique artistic practice, termed Afro-Ancestral Spiritualism, serves to reinterpret traditional African art forms, bridging the gap between ancestral heritage and contemporary identity.
Additionally, honorary mentions were given to Charity Meshach and Aluu Prosper, both from Nigeria. Charity is known for her figurative paintings, vibrant in color and reflective of the everyday rhythm of life. On the other hand, Aluu Prosper has made waves with his stylized figures and his innovative approach to depicting iconic Afro-hairstyles through exaggeration and stretch techniques in his artwork.
A special award was also presented to Erica Adjei, a mixed-media artist from Accra. Adjei, who studied Fine Arts with a focus on Image Design and Leatherwork, creatively incorporates discarded paper and waste materials into her pieces. This initiative not only emphasizes sustainability in her art but also embodies her belief in giving new life to materials through creativity and functionality.
As the third year of this regional competition concludes, Elena Baturina expressed her excitement about the remarkable emerging talents that have been showcased, emphasizing the importance of helping artists who represent the unique beauty of their regional, cultural, and ethnic identities. Baturina stated, “Regional competitions enable us to highlight those who might find it more challenging to establish themselves in the art scene. BE OPEN Art is dedicated to granting them the recognition they deserve and the chance to voice their perspectives, influencing those who appreciate the diversity within art.”
Looking ahead, in 2026, BE OPEN Regional Art will continue with competitions in Northeast Africa, Central Europe, and East Asia. BE OPEN stands as a global initiative dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, championed by the international philanthropist and entrepreneur Elena Baturina residing in Austria.
This year’s title of "Artist of the Region," along with a 500 Euro scholarship, was awarded to Ahmed Partey, a contemporary artist residing in Accra, Ghana. Partey draws heavy inspiration from West African masks, sculptures, patterns, and symbols. His unique artistic practice, termed Afro-Ancestral Spiritualism, serves to reinterpret traditional African art forms, bridging the gap between ancestral heritage and contemporary identity.
Additionally, honorary mentions were given to Charity Meshach and Aluu Prosper, both from Nigeria. Charity is known for her figurative paintings, vibrant in color and reflective of the everyday rhythm of life. On the other hand, Aluu Prosper has made waves with his stylized figures and his innovative approach to depicting iconic Afro-hairstyles through exaggeration and stretch techniques in his artwork.
A special award was also presented to Erica Adjei, a mixed-media artist from Accra. Adjei, who studied Fine Arts with a focus on Image Design and Leatherwork, creatively incorporates discarded paper and waste materials into her pieces. This initiative not only emphasizes sustainability in her art but also embodies her belief in giving new life to materials through creativity and functionality.
As the third year of this regional competition concludes, Elena Baturina expressed her excitement about the remarkable emerging talents that have been showcased, emphasizing the importance of helping artists who represent the unique beauty of their regional, cultural, and ethnic identities. Baturina stated, “Regional competitions enable us to highlight those who might find it more challenging to establish themselves in the art scene. BE OPEN Art is dedicated to granting them the recognition they deserve and the chance to voice their perspectives, influencing those who appreciate the diversity within art.”
Looking ahead, in 2026, BE OPEN Regional Art will continue with competitions in Northeast Africa, Central Europe, and East Asia. BE OPEN stands as a global initiative dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, championed by the international philanthropist and entrepreneur Elena Baturina residing in Austria.
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