Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe
By Maria Vogel
In Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe's most recent body of work, figures engage in one of the most physically taxing activities available–boxing. For Quaicoe’s birthplace of Accra, Ghana, the sport symbolizes much more than its renowned physicality; It’s a commonly walked upon path whose success can be the very thing that provides expulsion from the cycles of poverty present in Ghanian villages. Following his own trajectory that took him away from Accra, the artist now resides in Portland, Oregon, a place where his recommendations of favorite haunts take on a much more relaxed stance than his latest paintings.
Favorite cup of coffee? Iced Mocha from Starbucks in the morning before going to the studio to paint.
Favorite space to see art? Portland Art Museum, because it was the first art museum I visited in the US and where I saw a Kehinde Wiley painting for the first time in person. The Lumber Room and Russo Lee Gallery, because they have the best contemporary shows and exhibits in Portland.
Favorite place to spend a Saturday night? At home with my family watching movies, playing a game of pool or sitting around our firepit.
A place you go to unwind: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, to walk along the river with my dog, relax and people watch, eat lunch on a bench or admire the cherry blossoms.
Favorite local brand: Nike – I think they have the best designs and colors.
Favorite bookstore: Powell’s Books!
Favorite way to spend a day off of work: Plant shopping at local nurseries for things for our yard. Working on our 8 acres of land. Playing a game of pool with friends. Sitting somewhere outside and eating. Playing with my dog. Spending time at home relaxing. Going to see local art shows, fairs and museums – anything art related.