George Obeng

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George Obeng

Wood sculptures in West Africa

(30)

The artist is motivated to carve by one principal theme: "Recording the events" of his time.

George Obeng was born on March 30, 1952. His carvings are realized primarily in ebony wood, as the material is endowed with innate strength and beauty that requires no chemical enhancement. Mahogany, odum (oak), sese, and odanta are other woods he employs, although these need to be treated for preservation. Obeng prefers to leave his ebony carvings unpolished, he says, "Because the beauty and natural sheen of the wood in nature is left on perpetual display."

The artist is motivated to carve by one principal theme: "Recording the events" of his time. As an animal rights activist and a committed vegetarian, wildlife plays an integral role in his work, such as the tenderness of the butterfly, the mischief of the monkey, the slowness of the snail, and the vivacious character of the bird. Each of his carvings is a poignant reminder of this critical juncture in the preservation of the global environment and communal ecology.

Themes of the "Third World" also inspire Obeng's art. Depictions of female figures, often carrying children and heavy baskets simultaneously; comments on the cyclical problem of social confusion and irresolution, which extend into the endemic nature of inadequate and/or nonexistent development of facilities like health care, education, food, security. He is an observer of his time, struggling to represent the myriad unheard voices that surround him.

But for his stalwart determination, Obeng would not be the carver he is today. He had been ordered by an elder relative to take up typesetting and printing, and from 1967 to 1970 he was apprenticed to a master printer, having completed Middle School Education with a certificate in 1967. However, he defied his family and undertook part time studies in sculpture from 1970 to 71. Between 1972 and 1974 he took a course in sculpture at the School of Art and then a proficiency course in sculpture at the university College of Art. He worked as Assistant Cultural Officer with the Arts Council of Ghana while practicing painting between 1971 and 1986. Obeng was responsible for exhibitions, restorations, commission, and training workshops for carvers. As an apprentice for Saka Acquaye, a renowned sculptor, he was able to participate in exhibitions in Ghana, Oakland, Britain, Bulgaria, Romania, and China, along with many other African countries.

Since 1986, Obeng runs a workshop where he constantly trains apprentices; he also offers assistance to carvers. His works are displayed in the Official Residence of the Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria; in Barclays Bank, Ghana Ltd., Africa Films Ltd., and the Arts Council of Ghana, Accra. His awards include second and third prizes in Sculpture, National Arts Contest 1979 and Sculptor of the Year from Leisure Arts and Entertainment, 1988.

He is currently married to his sweetheart with whom he has four wonderful children.

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52 items by George Obeng

Customer Reviews

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Kathleen

Verified Reviewer

10/01/2020

"Beautiful craftsmanship"

These bambara antelope are beautifully carved and have a special place in my home.

Purchased Item:

Bambara Antelopes, Hand Crafted Wood Sculpture of African Antelopes (Pair)

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rohoco7

From Austin/Texas/USA

Verified Reviewer

08/16/2020

"The carver shows great skill with wood."

Even though the artist is very skilled, his lack of reference to the shape of the ears on a lion led him to carve very pointed ones. Lions ears are broad and rounded. This took away from the effort to make these bookends look like lions. Also, the heads were too narrow for lions. Despite that the carvings are beautifully done, nicely stained, and will serve their purpose.

Best Uses

Hold books

Purchased Item:

Lion Guardian, Unique Hand Carved Wood Bookends (Pair)

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Denise

Verified Reviewer

02/01/2020

"A bit disapointed"

I would have thought that the detail on an item of this value would have been there. The items in the basket by just scoring diagonally not individually carved as pictured.The walking child faces outward at the side of the mother not facing forward in motion with her as pictured which impacts how the piece is presented. One of the mothers ears is made by a relatively deep hole. It feels as though this piece was rushed.

Purchased Item:

Working Woman, Ebony statuette

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Honeybee

From Torrance, California

Verified Reviewer

01/30/2020

"Plaited Hair Mahogany Bust So Very Beautiful!"

The exquisite detail is so Beautiful and the mahogany has a high polish. I have it displayed on a dark wood base which really complements it as it is displayed under a floor lamp in a corner of my dining room. I have several pieces of sculpture by Mr. Obeng and I Love them all but this one is my favorite.

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Plaited Hair, Mahogany Wood Bust Sculpture of a Woman with Braided Hair

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Honeybee

From Torrance, California

Verified Reviewer

01/10/2020

"George Obeng Creates Such Beautiful Carvings!"

I ordered his Divine Birth In Africa nativity set first and was so amazed at the exquisite detail. Then I ordered the Bambara Antelopes and again was in love with his beautiful carvings. I also ordered Collecting Water, a sculpture in ebony and a table, I Fear Only God. I am so grateful to him for creating such exquisite art at such an affordable price for my enjoyment. Thank you Mr. Obeng.

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For Enriching Your Life With Beautiful Art

Purchased Item:

Bambara Antelopes, Hand Crafted Wood Sculpture of African Antelopes (Pair)

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Mosan

From Pennsylvania

Verified Reviewer

09/24/2019

"Elegant depiction of a working woman"

This statue is beautifully detailed. Graceful lines and textures are evident. Unique design with the child and baby along with the woman.

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Best Uses

Artwork, decor

Purchased Item:

Working Woman, Ebony statuette

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George Obeng

Cause Badges

52 items by George Obeng

Customer Reviews

"Beautiful craftsmanship"

"The carver shows great skill with wood."

"A bit disapointed"

"Plaited Hair Mahogany Bust So Very Beautiful!"

"George Obeng Creates Such Beautiful Carvings!"

"Elegant depiction of a working woman"

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