Amartey’s exhibition is based on the magpie, and what it means to him. As a child his parents always used to count magpies and recite the poem “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a story never to be told”

Amartey’s portraits are a reflection of his interactions with the people around him and his own subconscious. Constantly transforming and evolving he integrates his philosophy of life into his drawings. Every piece is based on a deep contemplation which invites you to share whatever feelings are triggered when focusing on his works.

His expressions through art are translated into 2.5 metre tall charcoal drawings and large paintings. Exciting additions this year are his montages, a combination of past portraits with photography. He uses traditional techniques and disciplines to communicate in a contemporary context paying his respect to the articulation and presence of the artists before his time, and uses those tools to express himself in an honest manner.

“One for Sorrow, Two for Joy” is showing from 22^nd April to 27^th May 2010