Four African brothers hailing from Ghana have created a formidable legacy in sustainable fine art made with recyclable wood chips.

Atlanta, GA – December 19, 2024: Sustainable art is now a prominent fixture of importance in today’s art world, but four brothers are taking this to a new level by combining environmentally friendly materials with their family legacy and African heritage, to create a remarkable gallery collection that is both distinguished and award-winning.

Georgia-based Alfred Addo is well known on the African continent and in his native Ghana for his eclectic and dynamic artworks that capture the spirit of the Ghanaian people, while promoting sustainable development through his signature technique that adopts a distinctive multi-layered approach. As an experienced artist, with a successful career spanning more than two decades in the U.S., Alfred is known for his unique “Afrocentric” sculptures made out of recycled sawdust, and his bold colorful mixed media paintings that explore intricate themes inspired by his Ghanaian roots.

Accomplished for his works that currently sit in the permanent collection of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the broad compendium housed by Addo Gallery is often featured at prestigious fairs around the country, and now takes on a multigenerational approach with Alfred’s introduction of works by his three equally talented brothers, who together form the collective known as Addo Contemporary Art, debuting their joint exhibit during this year’s Miami Art Week.

Born in Accra in Ghana, Alfred, Frank, James, and Ivan Addo inherited their passion for art from their father, James Addo Sr., a masterful wood sculptor. From an early age, the brothers were immersed in their father's craft, often surrounded by sawdust—the byproduct of his artistry. For the Addo brothers, sawdust became more than just a byproduct; it was a source of endless fascination. They spent countless hours playing with it, shaping it into figures, and experimenting with its texture. These childhood experiences ignited a lifelong passion for this often-overlooked material. Alfred, the eldest, initially pursued a career in medicine but couldn't resist the call of creativity. With his scientific background, he began exploring innovative uses for sawdust, developing eco-friendly adhesives from recycled materials. Inspired by Alfred's breakthroughs, the brothers each delved deeper into sawdust as an artistic medium, crafting their unique styles. Alfred's work is characterized by intricate 3D reliefs with metallic finishes, while lvan's bold and colorful creations bring vibrant energy to the medium.

"The pursuit of excellence has been the guiding principle of my life, shaping my artistic journey from my humble beginnings in Accra, Ghana. This unwavering commitment has fueled my growth, allowing me to overcome countless obstacles and reach the international stage in cities like New York, Chicago and Miami. This pursuit never ends, it's a journey of constant striving for improvement and setting high standards for oneself and consistently pushing boundaries to achieve them. This is the very essence of my artistic vision, and it forms the bedrock of Addo Gallery."

As a child, Alfred Addo, 49, spent countless hours playing with sawdust left behind in his father's studio, experimenting with its form and texture. These early experiences cultivated a deep-rooted fascination with this often-overlooked material. While initially pursuing a career in medicine, Alfred's passion for art ultimately prevailed. His scientific background proved to be a valuable asset, enabling him to develop innovative techniques for working with sawdust. By creating his own adhesives, he transformed this humble material into a versatile medium capable of producing stunning works of art. Alfred's talent quickly gained recognition in Ghana, where he exhibited his work in numerous art fairs and received commissions from prestigious hotels. His ability to capture the essence of Ghanaian culture through his art earned him international acclaim. In 2002, he was invited to South Africa, where he spent 15 years showcasing his work in prestigious venues such as the United States Consulate in Pretoria and the Reserve Bank of South Africa. In 2016, the Ghanaian government recognized Alfred's significant contributions to the art world and invited him to create art installations for the Ghana Consulate in New York.

In recent years, Alfred has continued to exhibit his work extensively in the United States, participating in numerous art fairs and exhibitions across the country, resulting in several awards, including most recently ‘Best New Exhibitor’ at Red Dot Miami. He is also dedicated to mentoring young artists, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them achieve commercial success.