Germain Ekra

And-Co Artist in Residence 2024

Germain Ekra (he/him) is an artist just starting out on his journey. Him and curator Ashlee Conery met at an opening and he came to And-Co to share his early sketches. After producing his first large format painting, a self-portrait, entitled Glare, Ekra became first And-Co’s Artist in Residence. In his words:

“I am narrating my journey through vibrant paintings—a tale of a young man’s migration from the Ivory Coast to Canada. Within these canvases, the viewer embarks on a visual exploration of my endeavours to reconcile with my African heritage while grasping the profound influence Canada has exerted on both myself and my family.”

The title of his self-portrait, ’Glare’, refers to “a glaring decision, that has to be made, between sticking to the box society creates or making your way through the forest in order to find your own path amongst the trees.”

Germain Ekra is an Artist from Toronto Ontario, living and working on the unceded, traditional and occupied territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Without any formal training Ekra continues to grow his artistic practice. He has sold two works since the start of his residency, for which he receives 100% of sales.