Ernest Larbi Budu is a contemporary Ghanaian artist. Growing up as the only artist in his family and in a town where art wasn’t well received by the majority, this did not stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional artist. After receiving a degree in Art Education, he works as a creative art teacher while exploring his painting ideas and style on canvas.

He works on a variety of themes which includes abstract concepts, landscapes, flora and fauna, portrait, culture and life struggles in Africa. His unique technique seeks to explore the phenomenon of wild color effect. Inspired by the simplicity and the complexity of bright colors in nature and its effect on the human soul, his works are full of dramatic and vibrant colors in a way that excites and engages the viewer. He also incorporates Ghanaian cultural symbols and artifacts like the African mask, Traditional Adinkra symbols into his paintings to reveal his cultural identity and roots.

From his own words: I allow the brush, pallet strokes and colors to move with respect to the form and shape of my subject. The fascinating outcome of my paintings is a power which directly influences the viewer’s soul and therapeutically enhances positive emotions. He believes art is the expression of emotions of the soul rather than a mere imitation of nature.  He often paints portraits of children and women in Africa revealing their hopes, aspirations, sensations and the contours of their life struggles emanating from living in the African space.

His hope is that people enjoy the beauty and the inspiration of his creation.

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