Continue to inspire!
These were the words to Ras Akyem I Ramsey, when he was honoured as the seventh recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Visual Arts at the Grand Salle in the Tom Adams Financial Centre, the City on Saturday night.
CEO and Publisher Vivian-Ann Gittens of the Nation Publishing Co. Limited, sponsor of the award, said that, with work that had got worldwide claim, Ras Akyem had “truly redefined visual arts”.
“His pieces have been described as “brilliant”, “revolutionary”, “authentic” and even “militant.” I wish to commend him for having the courage to step out, to challenge social ills,” said Gittens.
“Through the Lifetime Achievement Award, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited pledges a full commitment to the arts. Artists aid in defining national identity. It is they who create the symbols and artefacts that are the sources of our national pride. Theirs is a fundamental role and as such they should be celebrated, appreciated and recognised. And this recognition should be in tangible form,” she said.
The celebrated artist said he was honoured to receive the award.
