UEW Students Impress at International Exhibition with AI-Driven Art
Five third-year students from the Department of Art Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have garnered international recognition for their participation in the 4th International Technical University of Kenya - Exploring Visual Cultures Conference and Exhibition and the Kenya Innovation Week held from 25th to 30th November, 2024. Their exhibition, themed “Beyond Boundaries,” explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and visual culture, showcasing the transformative impact of technology on contemporary art.
Curated by Mr. Ebenezer Kow Abraham, the exhibition featured the works of Christopher Okai, Hannah Awukubea Akotuah, Michael Nyarkom, Henry Fianu, and Wise Kweku Adadey. Each student presented a unique piece blending their personal experiences as Ghanaians with cutting-edge AI tools.
Christopher Okai’s “Shadows of Compromise” critically examined the complexities of Ghanaian politics, offering a sobering view of societal challenges; Hannah Awukubea Akotuah celebrated black womanhood with AI-generated drawings that highlighted resilience amidst adversity; Michael Nyarkom advocated for Africa’s active role in technological advancements through his art, emphasising the continent’s potential in the global arena; Henry Fianu focused on the harmony of rural Ghanaian life in his series, “Harmony in the Village;” while Wise Kweku Adadey depicted the enduring strength of African women in his piece, “Joy in Chaos.”
These works stemmed from their Independent Studies in Drawing (ISD) coursework, which emphasises critical engagement with the history and evolution of artistic drawing.
Mr. Ebenezer Kow Abraham, who supervised the students’ work, highlighted the importance of challenging traditional artistic boundaries.
“This exhibition is a testament to the students’ ability to merge tradition with innovation. By embracing AI, they have demonstrated how technology can redefine our approach to art,” he said.
The “Beyond Boundaries” exhibition marked the students’ transition from traditional drawing techniques to digital tools. Their willingness to adapt showcased the evolving role of technology in modern art education.
The exhibition drew praise from international art experts. Jane Awuor Otieno from the Technical University of Kenya commended the students’ efforts:
“These works demonstrate how AI is reshaping visual culture. The students’ projects are not only innovative but also deeply reflective of societal and cultural issues.”
Otieno added that the exhibition had set a high benchmark for future events, emphasising the role of AI in fostering new forms of artistic expression.
The participation of the UEW students underscores the importance of integrating technology into art education. Their works highlight the potential of African artists to lead conversations about AI’s impact on visual culture.
As AI continues to influence global art practices, the “Beyond Boundaries” exhibition demonstrates students’ readiness to embrace new challenges. Their success reaffirms UEW’s commitment to equipping students with the tools to navigate and shape the future of art. The “Beyond Boundaries” exhibition exemplifies how education and technology can converge to inspire innovation and creativity in the arts.
Click the URL below to visit the University of Education Winneba exhibition page for more details about the exhibition and the works displayed.
https://explore-vc.org/en/galleries/subgalleries/ai-ghana.html
