Michael Acheampong
Michael Acheampong is a Ghanaian-American photographer and art director/visual artist whose work focuses on the intersection of fashion, culture, and identity. Born in Los Angeles,CA and Raised between the United States and Ghanaian culture, Michael’s art reflects his personal experience of navigating two worlds and exploring the complexities of diasporic identity. He is currently pursuing an MFA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and draws inspiration from photographers like Dawoud Bey, James Barnor, JK Bruce-Vanderpuije, Gordon Parks, Paul Strand, and Daniel Attoumou Amicchia. His photography combines traditional African textiles with modern fashion, creating images that challenge stereotypes and reframe narratives about African identity. Michael’s work explores themes of cultural hybridity, fashion as storytelling, and the gaps left by colonial histories. Through his art, he aims to highlight underrepresented stories from the different tribes of the Ghanaian/West African people and offer new ways to think about identity and heritage.
Contact: michael22acheampong@gmail.com
"One Africa"
"Sankofa"
My work is deeply connected to family, using personal archives to tell the stories. Exploring my Ghanaian heritage through the lens of fashion allows me to articulate my identity and cultural narrative in a meaningful way. I was immersed in cultural traditions and stories, surrounded by textiles like Kente cloth and tie-dye Batik, which are deeply tied to heritage and pride. Fashion, often dismissed as frivolous, serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, reflecting deep cultural significance and personal connections. Ghanian fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about identity, heritage, and respect. The tension between preserving one’s roots and navigating the Western world shapes my work. I can weave together themes of identity and belonging, preserving cultural practices, creating a dialogue that resonates with both past and present. Integrating traditional elements into contemporary designs honors my ancestors while challenging Western narratives that overshadow our rich history.
