Celebrating Creative Brilliance: BE OPEN Regional Art Competition Winners in West Africa

The BE OPEN Regional Art Competition Announces West Africa Winners

In a remarkable celebration of creativity and talent, the BE OPEN Regional Art competition has unveiled its winners for the West Africa segment. This initiative, spearheaded by Elena Baturina's humanitarian think tank, aims to provide a platform for emerging artists across various regions. The competition ran from October to December and encouraged participation from young talents in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the remote islands of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.

The competition received generous support from various organizations committed to promoting the arts, including the African Heritage Centre, the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Burkina Arts Association, and the National Gallery of Art in Abuja. BE OPEN expresses its sincere gratitude for the continuous backing these organizations offer to local artists, fostering a nurturing environment for young talents in the region.

The prestigious title of Artist of the Region and a scholarship of 500 euros were awarded to Ahmed Partey, a self-taught contemporary artist based in Accra, Ghana. Partey's work is notably influenced by the rich heritage of West African masks, sculptures, and symbolic patterns. His practice, which he describes as Afro-Ancestral Spiritualism, reinterprets traditional African art forms, creating a bridge between ancestral legacy and contemporary identity.

In addition to the main award, two honorable mentions were given to Charity Meshach and Aluu Prosper, both from Nigeria. Charity's figurative paintings vividly capture the rhythm and essence of everyday life, while Aluu’s stylized figures showcase her unique approach that utilizes elongation and exaggeration techniques, further exemplified by her portrayal of iconic Afro hairstyles.

Another notable award, specifically chosen by the founder of BE OPEN, Elena Baturina, was granted to Erica Adjei, a multimedia artist from Accra. She received a scholarship of 300 euros for her innovative approach to art, combining visual arts with leatherwork. Erica’s journey began in bookbinding, where she creatively integrated discarded paper and other materials into her artwork. This not only highlights her commitment to sustainability but also conveys her belief in revitalizing materials through creativity and purpose.

As the BE OPEN Regional Art competition approaches its third anniversary, Elena Baturina shared her excitement regarding the outstanding emerging talents from around the world who have already participated or plan to showcase their work in BE OPEN's gallery. "These regional competitions shine a light on those who can express the unique beauty of their cultural and ethnic identities, particularly in cases where gaining recognition in the art world may be more challenging. BE OPEN Art aims to provide them with the recognition they deserve and an opportunity to express themselves and impact those who value art's diversity," she remarked.

Looking ahead, the 2026 BE OPEN Regional Art competition is set to expand to North-East Africa, Central Europe, and East Asia, continuing its worldwide initiative to foster creativity and innovation. Hence, under the patronage of philanthropist and international business woman Elena Baturina, BE OPEN persists in encouraging artists to explore and redefine the boundaries of their cultural expressions.

This year's outcomes not only celebrate individual artists but also advocate for the broader recognition of West African art on the global stage, emphasizing the significance and vibrancy of cultural narratives through artistic expression.