Lawrence Kwakye
Visual artist / designer | The Netherlands
Lawrence Kwakye is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of identity, transformation, and human existence in an ever-changing world. He creates layered compositions using his unique "Imprint" method, blending textiles, photography, and painting. His art often oscillates between abstraction and figuration, reflecting a fascination with systemic realities and cultural narratives.

Portret
Lawrence Kwakye, born in Utrecht in 1972, is a creative visual artist and designer who blends art and design in innovative ways. Growing up in the Netherlands with a Ghanaian father and Hungarian mother, his multicultural background plays a central role in shaping his artistic vision. He studied at the renowned Design Academy Eindhoven under mentors like Lidewij Edelkoort, where he developed a style that merges practical design with deep, conceptual ideas.
In 2010, Kwakye shifted from a successful design career to focus entirely on his independent art practice. This allowed him to explore themes of human transformation and change. He created a distinctive technique called "Imprint," combining textiles, photography, and painting into rich, layered compositions. His work balances abstract and figurative elements, reflecting his curiosity about humanity’s role in complex systems and societal structures.
Kwakye’s body of work spans various media, including video, collages, and experimental photography. He often collaborates with other art forms, such as modern dance, exemplified in his project Between Open Borders and Isolation (BOB & I). This multidisciplinary initiative combines visual art with choreography to examine themes like freedom and isolation. His engagement with Afrofuturism during a residency in Ghana further showcases his dedication to exploring cultural identity through creative partnerships.
His art also delves into existential questions, examining humanity’s place in a rapidly changing world influenced by artificial intelligence and technology. For Kwakye, creativity offers a way to confront uncertainty, imagine new possibilities, and stay connected to human values.

Lawrence Kwakye, born in Utrecht in 1972, is a creative visual artist and designer who blends art and design in innovative ways. Growing up in the Netherlands with a Ghanaian father and Hungarian mother, his multicultural background plays a central role in shaping his artistic vision. He studied at the renowned Design Academy Eindhoven under mentors like Lidewij Edelkoort, where he developed a style that merges practical design with deep, conceptual ideas.
In 2010, Kwakye shifted from a successful design career to focus entirely on his independent art practice. This allowed him to explore themes of human transformation and change. He created a distinctive technique called "Imprint," combining textiles, photography, and painting into rich, layered compositions. His work balances abstract and figurative elements, reflecting his curiosity about humanity’s role in complex systems and societal structures.
Kwakye’s body of work spans various media, including video, collages, and experimental photography. He often collaborates with other art forms, such as modern dance, exemplified in his project Between Open Borders and Isolation (BOB & I). This multidisciplinary initiative combines visual art with choreography to examine themes like freedom and isolation. His engagement with Afrofuturism during a residency in Ghana further showcases his dedication to exploring cultural identity through creative partnerships.
His art also delves into existential questions, examining humanity’s place in a rapidly changing world influenced by artificial intelligence and technology. For Kwakye, creativity offers a way to confront uncertainty, imagine new possibilities, and stay connected to human values.
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Credentials
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2018
- Natural Backdrop Paintings, Kasteel de Wittenburg, Wassenaar, Netherlands
2017
- Sociaal Economische Raad, The Hague, Netherlands
- Reghthuys, Nieuwkoop, Netherlands
2013
- Mee in Zee Atelier, The Hague, Netherlands
2010
- Art Gallery Haags, duo exhibition, The Hague, Netherlands
- Feng Sui Galeria Fonyod, Hungary
2006
- The Hungarian Trip, Pauw Wassenaar, Netherlands
2021
- Lille Art Up!, Grand Palais, France, represented by OpenArtExchange
- Contemporary Venice ITSLIQUID, International Art Fair, Italy
2020
- Art Rotterdam week, performance at OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
2019
- Mulhouse, International Contemporary Art Fair, France
- Paris Art Fair, International Contemporary Art Fair, France, represented by OpenArtExchange
- Back to Human, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
- Bob & I episode 1 'Memory of Light', Installation & dance performance, co-creation between Lawrence Kwakye & FDR dance Company
- Art Rotterdam week, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
- Art Christmas Market, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
2018
- Luxembourg Art Fair, Luxembourg, represented by OpenArtExchange
- #Exchange, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
- Diasporadical, BBnZ Live, Nima, Ghana
2017
- Art The Hague, via Gallery Indelibl, Netherlands
- Artfair Westeinderplassen, Aalsmeer, Netherlands
2016
- ECI Cultuurfabriek (Peperart) Art fair| Roermond | The Netherlands
- Knokke Zoute L.A. Luxury & Art fair | Grand Casino Knokke | Belgium
- Art fair Westeinderplassen, Aalsmeer, Netherlands
- Artfair Noord Brabant, Netherlands
2015
- Art Gallery Sous Terre, Aalsmeer, Netherlands
- Art fair Westeinderplassen, Aalsmeer, Netherlands
2012
- Liefde, Summer exhibition, Gemeente Museum The Hague, Netherlands
2010
- Gallery 33 1/3, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2009
- Townhall The Hague, The Haagse schilderkunst Award, winner second prize, theme: 'The Hague city of Peace and Freedom'
1992-1999
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, department Man And Leisure, Design Academy Eindhoven, Netherlands
2014 - today
- Co-developer of MeWe_game & designer, Me-We-World platform, Me-We designthinking tools
- Independent Artist | Painting, Photography, Installation & Design
- ArtMotivator | motivating art and the art of motivating
2010 - 2018
- Freelance Instructor creative workshops for children
2010-2015
- ArtMotivator project ‘Portrait Date’, painting table design & workshops
2010
- ArtMotivator project 'Cool-Uncool Art Cabinet', design for Prins Willem Alexander School, The Hague, Netherlands
2001-2010
- Senior designer at Oil for Live Communication
1999-2001
- Junior designer at Totems Communications bv
2019
- Art Christmas Market, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
- Back to Human, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
2018
- #Exchange, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands