ermias ekube (b. 1970) based in kalmar, sweden, is a visual artist known for merging figurative and conceptual elements in his work. his practice draws on personal memories, western art traditions, and greek and roman mythology to create deeply meaningful art. ekube’s work is shaped by the environments and communities he immerses himself in, blending these influences into something new and resonant. when ekube first arrived in accra, he planned to engage deeply with the local fishing community, capturing their vibrant daily life. however, with july being a quieter month due to an upcoming festival, his focus shifted. what initially seemed like a setback soon became an opportunity for ekube to explore and find inspiration in the broader community and the surrounding landscape. the ocean, ever-present and constantly changing, quickly became central to his work. despite the lack of active fishing, the ocean's influence was palpable. the people he met—from quiet, contemplative individuals to lively locals—became the subjects of his paintings. even the boats, resting on the shore instead of floating on the waves, told stories of the community's deep connection to the sea. the sights and sounds of the south labadi community also had a profound impact on ekube's daily routine and creative process, adding layers of meaning to his work.

certain symbols, like the hourglass representing the flow of time and memories, continued to appear in his art. while his background in western art and his love for greek and roman mythology remained significant, these influences blended with the local ghanaian culture to create something new and meaningful. a particularly memorable moment was when ekube rode a horse named "sweet memory." this experience resonated deeply with the themes of his recent exhibition, memories are we are memories, illustrating how unexpected moments can spark creativity. the residency also brought back memories of his time near a fishing community in eritrea and his childhood in addis ababa, reminding him how past experiences can resurface and take on new significance in different contexts. this journey highlighted the fluid nature of an artist's practice and the profound impact that environment, community, and interactions can have on one's work. ekube learned that inspiration is everywhere—in quiet moments, in chance encounters, and in the constant rhythm of the ocean. as he continues to create, he carries with him ‘the sweet memories’ of his stay, the warmth of the people he met, the mysteries of the sea, and the endless possibilities that each new day in ghana brings.