BIO
Bright Kontor Osei, born in 1993 in Sunyani, Ghana, is a contemporary artist residing and working in Athens, Ohio, U.S.A. Osei is a trained artist, educator, and art administrator with a strong background in art history. He earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting and Drawing, graduating Summa Cum Laude on May 3, 2024, from Ohio University’s School of Art + Design. In 2018, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education with First Class honors from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.
Osei’s work centers on celebrating the rich narratives embedded in the daily lives of street people. He produces vibrant mixed-media, figurative, and text-based paintings, alongside documentary videos and photography, which ignite discussions around societal marginalization, identity, place, and labor, with a particular emphasis on the socio-cultural landscape of Ghana. He also creates landscape drawings and washes, which he explains serve as a personal connection to the geographical roots of his subjects.
Osei has exhibited his work at the Kennedy Museum of Art and Ohio University Art Gallery in Athens, Ohio, and the Columbus Printed Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio. His dedicated efforts earned him the prestigious Student Enhancement Award (Research Grant) in 2023, a recognition bestowed upon scholars at Ohio University doing exceptional research. Among his peers, he was the sole nominee selected by his faculty mentors for the 2024 Dedalus Foundation MFA Fellowship, highlighting his dedication and extensive research in the Fine Arts.
He gained national recognition when his work earned the first-place exhibition award in the International MFA Annual Online Art Exhibition, *Daydreams: 2023*, a juried show organized by the University of Montana and Montana State University. This accolade came from nearly 700 submissions, representing half of the MFA programs in North America, along with entries from five countries. Osei was also awarded a Graduate Recruitment Scholarship and a Graduate Assistantship by the College of Fine Arts and the School of Art + Design, covering 2021 to 2024.
He currently teaches Drawing at Ohio University as an adjunct professor, and his work is in notable private and public collections, such as the College of Business at Ohio University and the Kennedy Museum of Art.
CV
Born in 1993 in Sunyani, Ghana
Resides and works in Athens, Ohio
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts – Painting + Drawing, Summa Cum Laude (4.0 CGPA),
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 2024
Bachelor of Arts – Art Education, First Class Honors,
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, 2018
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES
Visual Arts Management Certificate, Ohio University, 2024
AWARDS AND HONORS
Teaching Artist, The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio, Winter Session, 2025
Three Minutes Thesis Presentation People’s Choice Award, Ohio University, 2024
Three Minutes Thesis Presentation Third Place Award, Ohio University, 2024
Three Minutes Thesis Presentation Finalist, Ohio University, 2024
Dedalus Foundation MFA Fellowship Nominee, Dedalus Foundation Inc., New York, New York, 2024
First Place Award for Daydreams, International MFA Annual Online Exhibition, juried by University of Montana and Montana State University, 2023
$6000 Student Enhancement Award (Research Grant), Ohio University, 2023
Fine Arts Transformation Award, Ohio University, 2022
Graduate Recruitment Scholarship, Ohio University, 2021 to 2024
Graduate Assistantship, Ohio University, 2021 to 2024
Artist of the Year, University of Education (Art Education Department), Winneba, Ghana, 2018
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024
People of Ghana, Thesis Exhibition, Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio, 2024
MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
2024
Benedicta - Opening of “Self Adjacent”, (Solo Exhibition), Kennedy Museum of Art, Athens, Ohio, 2024
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024
Elevate and Empower: Multicultural Art Exhibition, Baker Center, Athens, Ohio, 2024
Retro-Spective, Sed Gallery, Chauncey, Ohio, 2024
2023
Daydreams, International MFA Annual Online Exhibition, juried by University of Montana and Montana State University, https://mfaexhibitiononline.org/, 2023
2022
Still Uncertain, Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio, 2022
Why is it so well, Columbus Printed Arts Center, Columbus, Ohio, 2022
Notable Uncertainties, Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio, 2022
2018
Artsoc Week celebration art exhibition, Art Education Department, Winneba, Ghana, 2018
ACADEMIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE (Instructor-of-Record)
Function and Practice, Ohio University, Spring 2025 (Adjunct Professor)
In this course, students will investigate modes of creative research and methodologies of art and design to inform and expand their own practice. Students will transform their concepts and designs through tool explorations, shifting modalities, application of technologies, and material experimentation. Through a range of exercises, this course will explore the physical, metaphorical, and cultural significance of art + design’s function in society.
Description and Drawing, Ohio University, 2024 (Adjunct Professor)
This course introduces drawing and other descriptive processes as an expansive practice and a means for developing perceptual and conceptual thinking skills. Various methods of image-making, three-dimensional modeling, and data mapping will be used as tools for observation and expression. Through broad, hands-on exposure to materials and methods, we will develop expressive, communicative, and analytical capabilities.
Description and Drawing, Ohio University, 2024 (Instructor-of-Record)
Figure Drawing, Ohio University, 2023 (Instructor-of-Record)
Introduces topical/thematic approaches to art-making emphasizing single and multi- (and/or inter-) disciplinarity. Students will research and address topical or media-specific concerns through scholarly and studio approaches. Offers experiences in the most current topics/themes in the professional practice of art.
Figure Drawing, Ohio University, 2023 (Instructor-of-Record)
Creative Art, Kenzy Fashion Institute, Sunyani, Ghana, 2019 to 2021 (Instructor-of-Record)
Introduces fashion students to the concept of design in art, as well as the similarities and overlaps between fine art and the fashion industry. Color theory is investigated in addition to illustration designs, and it is applied to sewing and clothing making.
Graphic Design, National Service Personnel at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Odumase, Ghana, 2018 to 2019 (Instructor-of-Record)
Introduces students to the design elements and principles essential in graphic design, focusing on how to apply this knowledge to create visual communication materials by hand. The course also covers the history of lettering, helping students develop fine pen lettering skills that are valuable for hand-generated graphic design.
Graphic Design, Intern at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Odumase, Ghana, 2017 (Instructor-of-Record)
ACADEMIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE (Teaching Assistant)
Art and Hip Hop (Online Art Class), Ohio University, (assisted John Sabraw), Spring 2025
Hip Hop culture has profoundly influenced art since the 1970s. Hip Hop has given voice to new art forms and new approaches to existing artistic practices. Its underlying concepts have been adopted worldwide into art unique to diverse geographic and cultural locales. Art and Hip Hop will explore this phenomenon within the context of traditional and contemporary art; polyculturalism and multiculturalism; activism and politics; and gender and race.
Function and Practice (Online Art Class), Ohio University, (assisted Basil Masri Zada), 2024
Students will investigate modes of creative research and methodologies of art and designs to inform and expand their own practice. Students will transform their concepts and design through tool explorations, shifting modalities, application of technologies, and material experimentation. Through a range of exercises, this course will explore the physical, metaphorical, and cultural significance of art + design’s function in society.
Art and Hip Hop (Online Art Class), Ohio University, (assisted John Sabraw), 2024
Function and Practice (Online Art Class), Ohio University, (assisted Basil Masri Zada), 2023
Art and Hip Hop (Online Art Class), Ohio University (assisted John Sabraw), 2023
Art and Hip Hop (Online Art Class), Ohio University (assisted John Sabraw), 2022
Figure Drawing, Ohio University, (assisted Reiker Q. Dean), 2022
Introduces topical/thematic approaches to art-making emphasizing single and multi- (and/or inter-) disciplinarity. Students will research and address topical or media-specific concerns through scholarly and studio approaches. Offers experiences in the most current topics/themes in the professional practice of art.
Figure Drawing, Ohio University (assisted Kelly Hanning), 2021
BIBLIOGRAPHY
LeClair, Maia. “Alumni Spotlight: Bright Kontor Osei.” Kennedymuseum. Accessed October 5, 2024. https://kennedymuseum.blog/2024/10/04/alumni-spotlight-bright-kontor-osei/
Nicole Bowman-Layton. “ ‘People of Ghana’ Exhibit.” The Athens Messenger, March 9, 2024.
“People of Ghana” | MFA Thesis Exhibition.” Ohio University. Accessed March 15, 2024. https://calendar.ohio.edu/event/people_of_ghana_mfa_thesis_exhibition
“MFA Thesis Exhibition, “People of Ghana” Honors the Marginalized.” The Athens News, accessed March 15, 2024. https://www.athensnews.com/calendar/arts/mfa-thesis-exhibition-people-of-ghana-honors-the-marginalized/event_1791ae6a-cc9a-11ee-a6bd-5763958181b4.html
Dolbashian, Aidan. “Fruits and Vegetables: Drawing by Bright Kontor Osei.” New Ohio Review, November 26, 2022. https://newohioreview.org/2022/11/26/fruits-and-vegetables-by-bright-kontor-osei/
“A Black Star of Repute Kofi Annan.” Politics and Power Magazine: Media Obed Limited First Edition, September – October 2018.
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Kennedy Museum of Art, Athens, Ohio.
College of Business, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Lisa Quinn, Kennedy Museum of Art Registrar, Athens, Ohio.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony-Afful Broni, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
CONFERENCES/PRESENTATIONS/GUEST LECTURES
The Ohio University Student Research and Creative Activity Expo, The Convocation Center, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 2024
Research Presentation, Holden Visual Arts Center and Studios Auditorium, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, North Carolina, 2024
Artist Talk, MFA Thesis Exhibition: People of Ghana, Ohio University Art Gallery, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 2024
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), Social and Behavioral Investigators, and Key Personnel Basic, Ohio University, 2023
Online Facilitator Course, Ohio University, 2022
Woodshop Training, Ohio University, 2021
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Artist, Dairy Barn Arts Center, Ohio University, Winter 2025
Teaches drawing classes to the Athens community, where participants pay an enrollment fee to receive hands-on instruction in drawing techniques. I design my syllabus to align with college-level standards while addressing the specific needs of the participants.
Graduate Studio Liaison, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2023 – 2024
Manages the organization of the tool room and conducts inventory assessments on a semester basis. Assumes responsibility for overseeing the safety of art supplies and storage areas. Maintains cleanliness and order in kitchenette spaces, monitors the flammable cabinet, and facilitates the removal of large furniture pieces.
Studio Maintenance, Painting + Drawing Area, Ohio University, 2023-2024
Maintains cleanliness and organization of shared studio spaces in the Painting + Drawing department
Model Coordinator, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2022 - 2024
Schedule and coordinate modeling sessions for all School of Art + Design studio courses.
Equipment Checkout Manager, School of Art + Design, Ohio University, 2021 - 2024
Manages the CreateSpace Central checkout system, ensuring proper organization, inventory maintenance, and the availability of equipment for student research.
LANGUAGES
Speaks, reads, and writes fluent English.
Speaks, reads, and writes fluent Asante Twi.