Artist Statement:

My name is Kara Baah, a London-born artist of Ghanaian and Jamaican heritage. My work is rooted in themes of faith, hope, transformation, and intimacy. I often draw inspiration from the natural world: waves, skies, and light as well as the human form, particularly dancers and gymnasts, whose movements reflect both strength and vulnerability.

I paint in a mixed media style, beginning with expressive underpaintings that carry the energy of prayer and raw emotion. Through layers of acrylics and oils, I refine forms and create depth, while using modeling paste and textured marks to build a tactile surface. This process allows me to balance freedom with detail, movement with stillness.

Art, to me, is a form of connection and care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I turned to painting and poetry as a way to process trauma and encourage others. That experience deepened my conviction to use my gifts purposefully, much like the parable of the talents reminds us to.

Whether through exhibitions, art markets, or wellbeing initiatives, I hope my art invites people to pause, breathe, and encounter hope in a fresh way.