29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
19
† THEOPHILUS TETTEH (GHANAIAN B.1991)
UNTITLED
signed Nii Odai lower right
acrylic on canvas
152.4 x 127cm; 60 x 50in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, London
Provenance
Janet Rady Fine Art
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2022
Theophilus Tetteh is a figurative artist whose creative journey is profoundly shaped by the principles of Impressionism. His work centres on capturing the daily movements and subtle interactions of local people within his home city of Accra, utilising light and colour to artfully manipulate the tempo of these moments. Through his distinctive approach, Tetteh is able to decelerate or accelerate the energy within his compositions, drawing attention to the vibrancy of urban life.
In Tetteh’s paintings, figures are depicted as active agents within their environments, each radiating a sense of intensity and independence. This dynamic presence not only defines the individuals themselves but also influences the atmosphere that surrounds them, creating a palpable connection between character and context.
Central to Tetteh’s work is the condensation of his subjects’ internal sentiments and tensions. He channels these emotions through the eyes, using them as expressive outlets that reveal the inner workings of each character. This focus transforms his subjects into independent, bold, and daring entities, each with their own psychological narrative.
Theophilus Tetteh lives and works in Accra, Ghana. He studied Graphic Design and Painting at Marimus Art School, where he developed an expressionist and experimental approach using different media. Tetteh has participated in solo shows and group projects across Ghana, notably the Kente Design Project for Kejetia Market (Kumasi, 2017), the National Theatre of Ghana (Accra, 2018) and The faces I can't forget exhibition (2023). Additionally, his work has been shown internationally at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (2021) and in London at Mayer Brown x Artiq and the Coningsby Gallery (2021), as well as the Affordable Art Fair in Brussels and Amsterdam. He was awarded Artist of the Year (2021) by the BE OPEN Foundation and is also a member of the Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA).
UNTITLED
signed Nii Odai lower right
acrylic on canvas
152.4 x 127cm; 60 x 50in
unframed
Property of a Private Collector, London
Provenance
Janet Rady Fine Art
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2022
Theophilus Tetteh is a figurative artist whose creative journey is profoundly shaped by the principles of Impressionism. His work centres on capturing the daily movements and subtle interactions of local people within his home city of Accra, utilising light and colour to artfully manipulate the tempo of these moments. Through his distinctive approach, Tetteh is able to decelerate or accelerate the energy within his compositions, drawing attention to the vibrancy of urban life.
In Tetteh’s paintings, figures are depicted as active agents within their environments, each radiating a sense of intensity and independence. This dynamic presence not only defines the individuals themselves but also influences the atmosphere that surrounds them, creating a palpable connection between character and context.
Central to Tetteh’s work is the condensation of his subjects’ internal sentiments and tensions. He channels these emotions through the eyes, using them as expressive outlets that reveal the inner workings of each character. This focus transforms his subjects into independent, bold, and daring entities, each with their own psychological narrative.
Theophilus Tetteh lives and works in Accra, Ghana. He studied Graphic Design and Painting at Marimus Art School, where he developed an expressionist and experimental approach using different media. Tetteh has participated in solo shows and group projects across Ghana, notably the Kente Design Project for Kejetia Market (Kumasi, 2017), the National Theatre of Ghana (Accra, 2018) and The faces I can't forget exhibition (2023). Additionally, his work has been shown internationally at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (2021) and in London at Mayer Brown x Artiq and the Coningsby Gallery (2021), as well as the Affordable Art Fair in Brussels and Amsterdam. He was awarded Artist of the Year (2021) by the BE OPEN Foundation and is also a member of the Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA).
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 29th Oct, 2025
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Tahia Halim, Seif Wanly, Mahmoud Said and Mohanna Durra. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 26th October: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 27th October: 10am to 8pm (Drinks 5-8pm)
Tuesday 28th October: 10am to 5pm
