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August Spotlight Artists: Obiwuru Esther, Hamid Nii Nortey, and Stephen Langa
- THE.CCART
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
For August, THE.CCART shines a light on three artists whose work captures the richness of Black identity, community, and contemporary African life. Obiwuru Esther, Hamid Nii Nortey, and Stephen Langa each bring their own distinctive lens to themes of beauty, movement, and belonging. Through portraiture and expressive figurative scenes, their art tells powerful stories of culture, emotion, and transformation.
Obiwuru Esther: Celebrating Black Women and African Beauty
Obiwuru Esther, a Nigerian artist, creates vibrant portraits that centre Black women and celebrate African identity. Her work features symbolic hairstyles and patterned backgrounds that honour strength, heritage, and self-expression. Esther’s use of colour and composition highlights the beauty and diversity of African culture, with each portrait offering a bold affirmation of presence and pride.
Her studio practice is deeply personal and intentional, driven by a desire to empower and represent Black women through her work. Watch the video interview below to hear Esther reflect on her journey, inspirations, and creative process.
Hamid Nii Nortey: Painting the Changing Face of Ghana
Hamid Nii Nortey, a Ghanaian artist based in Accra, uses acrylic and cross-hatching to create vivid figurative paintings that explore social shifts across Ghana and the wider African continent. His lifelike portraits reflect on themes such as migration, class, identity, and generational change, often set against architectural and interior backdrops.
Nortey places emphasis on the eyes of his subjects, believing they offer a silent yet powerful emotional connection. His warm, earthy tones and thoughtful compositions capture the elegance and complexity of everyday life, inviting viewers to engage with untold stories and shared cultural histories.
Stephen Langa: Documenting Everyday Life with Emotion and Depth
Stephen Langa, a South African artist, uses oil, charcoal, and printmaking to portray the lived realities of Black communities across both rural and urban settings. Influenced by his own memories and a strong sense of place, Langa’s work draws from Impressionism and artists like George Pemba to create scenes that are intimate and emotionally layered.
His compositions focus on quiet, everyday moments that speak volumes, offering a space for introspection and empathy. With subtle textures and expressive forms, Langa captures themes of identity, belonging, and the transitions that shape life across different environments.
This August, explore the impactful work of Obiwuru Esther, Hamid Nii Nortey, and Stephen Langa. Their art highlights the power of representation, the beauty of everyday life, and the strength found in memory and identity. Through their distinct voices, they invite us to see, feel, and connect.
By THE.CCART
