Duality

February 8 – March 2, 2025

Duality presents the work of Ghanaian artist Teddy Osei, which offers a thoughtful examination of the intersection between traditional Ghanaian art forms and Western contemporary practices, including ceramic sculptural forms and found objects. Osei’s work also examines the evolution of his Ghanaian cultural roots, showcasing how it has transformed and found new meaning within contemporary art while preserving its cultural significance. 

This exhibition engages with themes of cultural heritage, identity, and the complexities of the diaspora experience. The pieces on display invite viewers to engage with layered narratives that explore the fluid nature of identity and belonging. By drawing on personal and collective histories, Osei creates a dialogue that resonates beyond borders, encouraging a deeper understanding of the cultural connections that shape us. Duality serves as a meeting point for reflection, conversation, and discovery, where the past and present coexist to inspire new perspectives on art and culture.

Artist Statement

My work delves into the quiet yet profound forces that shape identity, belonging, and the stories we craft to navigate our lives. Clay is my starting point. Its responsiveness and memory of every touch resonates deeply with me, carrying history while holding space for reinvention. I pair it with materials like fabrics and found objects, each with its own history, to create ceramic sculptures and installations that embody the tension of identity in flux.

At its core, my work is about belonging, what it means to find it, lose it, and reshape it. I reflect on the boundaries we face, whether they’re drawn by geography, culture, or our own choices, and how they shape who we are. Each piece I create carries a piece of my story, but it’s also an invitation for others to see their own experiences. I want people to feel the pull of memory, the beauty in imperfections, and the richness of life where different cultures and identities come together.