Mike Gyampo was born in Ghana, West Africa.  He frequently incorporates traditional philosophical beliefs from this country into his sculptures and paintings to convey spiritual and moral messages.  This artist has carved many of his works in wood, and others have been cast in bronze and cement.  The composition, shapes, and rhythms of the polished terrazzo Just Chillin' were first explored in a smaller cast bronze version entitled "Innocent."

Matters of the Moment continues Mike Gyampo’s interest in traditional philosophical and aesthetic matters and gives vision to the combination of African and American influences in his work. Regardless of medium, Gyampo’s sculptures convey a solidity and permanence that grounds them to the earth.  The primitive and forceful forms command attention yet they communicate a humanistic sensibility and spirituality.  The purity and simplicity of Gyampo’s concepts provide a flow and interaction, resulting in an innovative iconography and vision.

Gyampo studied at the College of Art, University of Science and Technology in Ghana, where he received a B.A. in 1978, and later attended graduate classes at the Institute of African Studies.  Early on, he was employed at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture where he has taught modeling and casting workshops.  He has served as a guest lecturer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Robert Wood Johnson University of Medicine, where he spoke about socio-political and religious implications in African art.  Works by Gyampo have been exhibited in many group shows at museum and corporate headquarters throughout New Jersey, as well as sites in New York and Pennsylvania.

Just Chillin', 1996
concrete, marble
79" x 53" x 56"
Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

Matters of the Moment, 2008
bronze
8' x 8'6" x 5'6"
Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.
Photo: Ricardo Barros.com