Ghanaian visual artist Nana Kwaku Boateng has been selected as one of 75 artists for the 2026 British Art Prize. His hyper-realistic graphite drawing, Tailor Made, earned him a spot in the prestigious international competition. The British Art Prize, organised by Artists & Illustrators, brings together artists from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
Boateng's selection is a testament to his perseverance. He had submitted his work to the competition last year, but it was rejected. Instead of being discouraged, he returned this year with renewed conviction and submitted the same piece, Tailor Made. The work is a highly detailed portrait that explores the relationship between drawing and perception.
According to Boateng, Tailor Made was created as an experiment to understand how the human brain processes visual information. He aimed to create a piece that would blur the line between drawing and photograph. The artist deliberately introduced a sense of movement into the otherwise still image, encouraging viewers to imagine the subject blinking, smiling, or moving.
The shortlisted works, including Boateng's Tailor Made, will be exhibited at the Oxo Gallery on London's South Bank from October 21 to 25, 2026. The exhibition will feature artists from different backgrounds and levels of experience. Boateng's work is a reflection of his focus on identity, vulnerability, and lived experience.
Boateng has worked professionally since 2017 and is known for his hyper-realistic portraits in graphite and charcoal. He has steadily built an international profile, winning the People's Choice Award at the Derwent Art Prize in London in 2024. His growing recognition in the UK was highlighted in May 2025, when the British High Commissioner hosted an exhibition of his work at the British High Commissioner's Residence in Accra.
The overall British Art Prize winner will receive £2,000, a solo exhibition at Panter and Hall's Cecil Court Gallery in London, art materials, and a six-page magazine feature. The winners will be announced at a private view on October 22, alongside artists, collectors, and other invited guests. Boateng's shortlisting is a significant achievement, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
A graduate of Takoradi Technical University, Boateng's practice focuses on the human face, with details such as scars, pores, and subtle tonal variations forming an important part of his portrayal. His work invites viewers to consider how perception can transform a static image into an experience that appears almost alive.
Key points
- Ghanaian artist Nana Kwaku Boateng has been shortlisted for the 2026 British Art Prize.
- Boateng's shortlisted work, Tailor Made, is a hyper-realistic graphite drawing that explores the relationship between drawing and perception.
- The British Art Prize exhibition will take place at the Oxo Gallery on London's South Bank from October 21 to 25, 2026.
