Ablade Glover

Professor Ablade Glover, born in 1934 in Accra, Ghana, is one of the most significant figures in modern African art. A celebrated painter, educator, and advocate for African culture, Glover’s vibrant, textured oil paintings are renowned for their depiction of bustling street markets, urban life, and the resilience of African women. His work stands as a powerful expression of Ghana's socio-cultural and political transformations during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Growing up under British colonial rule, Glover’s early life coincided with Ghana's movement towards independence, which deeply influenced his artistic practice. After beginning his education at the College of Art at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Glover was awarded a government scholarship to study textile design at London’s School of Art and Design. When he returned to Ghana, the factory where he was meant to work had not yet been built, allowing him to explore his passion for painting. He later earned another scholarship, personally authorized by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to study Art Education at Newcastle University. Further studies took him to the United States, where he completed a master's degree at Kent State University and earned his doctorate at Ohio University in 1974.

Upon returning to Ghana, Glover joined the faculty at KNUST, where he taught for over two decades, eventually becoming Department Head and Dean of the College of Art. Glover was instrumental in shaping Ghana’s modern art scene through his dedication to education and mentorship. After retiring in 1994, he turned to full-time painting and founded the Artist Alliance Gallery in Accra in 1993. This gallery has become a major institution for promoting African contemporary art, showcasing the work of emerging artists from across the continent.

Glover’s art is characterized by his dynamic use of color and thick layers of oil paint, applied with palette knives in a "wet-on-wet" technique. His paintings, which often require the viewer to step back to fully appreciate their intricate textures, are grouped into categories such as "Market," "People," "Townscapes," and "Celebrations." Glover’s signature approach vividly captures the chaos and energy of Ghanaian life, especially the Makola Market in Accra, which serves as a recurring theme in his work. His respect for women, especially those who sustain Ghana’s informal economy, is a central motif, as seen in his "Profiles" series, where women are portrayed with elegance and courage. Through his work, Glover elevates women as symbols of strength and resilience, reclaiming their power from the colonial exploitation of the past.

His contribution to art extends beyond the canvas, as he has played a vital role in bringing international attention to both traditional and contemporary African art. Glover's works are housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Imperial Palace of Japan, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. He has exhibited extensively in West Africa, Europe, the USA, and Japan, and has received numerous accolades, including the Flagstar Award, the Ghana Order of the Volta, and the Millennium Excellence Award.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Glover’s passion for Ghana, its people, and its culture remains the driving force behind his artistic journey. His paintings are not only a testament to his love for his country but also a powerful celebration of the people who form its backbone, particularly the women of Ghana. Glover's legacy as both an artist and educator continues to inspire future generations of African artists.