#BE OPEN #Switzerland #Lugano #Western Africa #Ahmed Partey

BE OPEN Regional Art Competition Celebrates Western Africa Winners

The BE OPEN Regional Art competition, initiated by humanitarian advocate Elena Baturina, has announced the recipients of its prestigious awards for the Western Africa region. Following months of anticipation, October to December marked a significant time for young talents from nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, and several others across the region.

This initiative, designed to spotlight emerging artists, received generous backing from esteemed organizations including the African Heritage Centre and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), amongst others. Their unwavering support was crucial for connecting with budding talents in the area.

Outstanding Artists Recognized

The spotlight of the competition shines on Ahmed Partey, a remarkable contemporary artist hailing from Accra, Ghana. Partey has earned the title of Artist of the Region, along with a €500 grant. His artistic endeavors draw profound inspiration from the traditional West African masks and sculptures, encapsulating the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With his unique approach referred to as Afro-Ancestral Spiritualism, Partey not only honors his heritage but also interprets it through a modern lens, contributing to a dialogue that merges past and present.

The competition also recognized two honorary mentions from Nigeria: Charity Meshach and Aluu Prosper. Meshach, celebrated for her vibrant figurative paintings, captures the essence of daily life with exceptional flair. On the other hand, Prosper's distinctive style employs artistic techniques of elongation and exaggeration, prominently showcasing the iconic afro hairstyle in his pieces.

An additional recipient of a €300 grant, selected personally by Baturina herself, is Erica Adjei, a versatile mixed media artist from Accra. Having focused her studies on Visual Arts, Adjei tends to incorporate discarded materials into her work, reflecting her commitment to sustainability while also breathing new life into forgotten resources. Her innovative approach resonates with her ethos of finding purpose through creativity.

A Commitment to Artistic Growth

In reflecting on the success of the competition, Elena Baturina expressed her joy in seeing so many extraordinary young talents receiving deserved recognition. “We are thrilled to see how many remarkable emerging talents from all over the world have already been featured or intend to be in our gallery,” Baturina noted. The regional competitions serve as a vital platform to highlight those who depict the unique beauty of their cultural and ethnic identities, particularly for those who face challenges in becoming established in the competitive art scene.

BE OPEN’s efforts are aligned with fostering creativity and innovation universally, and the regional art initiative aims to amplify voices and perspectives that diversify the artistic landscape.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 approaches, BE OPEN Regional Art will continue its mission, branching out to competitions in Northeastern Africa, Central Europe, and East Asia. The commitment to nurture emerging artists remains steadfast, characterizing BE OPEN as a transformative force in the global art community.

Together, these efforts are not just about awarding talent, but about weaving a larger narrative that appreciates the diversity and richness of world art.

This year’s competition underscored the importance of art as a medium of expression and as a tool for societal connection, ensuring that the creative voices from Western Africa resonate beyond their geographical confines.