Biography

Nana Ekow Maison was born in Ghana, which is on the west coast of Africa. Early in his childhood he developed a deep appreciation for nature in all of its glories and subtleties, which is still reflected in his artwork.

Maison was welcomed to the Bachelor of Arts program in painting at the esteemed Kwame Nkrumah University in 1996, where he received a thorough education, including in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on a wide range of methods and materials in drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Before and during college, Maison spent time visiting many rural areas of Ghana. Through these experiences and others, Maison developed a love and appreciation for Ghanaian art traditions across tribal, geographic, and linguistic lines. For his thesis project, he chose to research, develop, and use art supplies derived entirely from native Ghanaian materials.

Eager to expand his base of experience and education, in 2001 he traveled to the U.S.A. to study art at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, with professors such as Harold Linton, Oscar Gillespie, Kenneth Hoffman and Fisher Stolz. At Bradley he received a Full Assistantship Award and immersed himself in the disciplines of printmaking, papermaking, bookmaking, sculpture and painting. While at Bradley, his work took the form of personal narrative abstract art. West African culture continued to play a major role in his artwork. He began incorporating artistic elements from many regions of Ghana with his own personal symbolism to tell his stories. He developed a form of art that is distinctly Ghanaian, and uniquely his own. His work was included in several national exhibitions. He became highly recognized in the Peoria community, and participated in residency programs at the Peoria Art Guild, Prairie Center of the Arts, and Lakeview Museum. He became actively involved in Peoria arts and art education for young people. In 2004, he graduated with an MFA in interdisciplinary studies. After graduation, taught drawing and 2-D design at Bradley University.

Currently, Nana Ekow Maison resides in Muncie, Indiana, with his wife Barbara and son Nyamedze. Drawing from a variety of Ghanaian artistic traditions, Maison continues to create visual narratives that reflect his personal beliefs and experiences.

Mary Mathias
Assistant Professor of Art
Northland Pioneer College