Arts & Rhythms

ARTS & RHYTHMS is an interdisciplinary collaboration between visual artists and musicians from Ghana and Norway, exploring the intersection of art and music across two distinct cultural contexts. A Ghanaian or Norwegian visual artist creates an artwork in silence, inspired by themes such as identity, heritage, and belonging. The finished piece is then handed over to a musician from the other country, who interprets it through music or spoken word. The audience first encounters the artwork through an exhibition, experiencing it in silence before witnessing its musical interpretation performed live. Following the performances, all participating artists take part in a conversation where they share reflections on the creative process and the dialogue between visual and musical expression. Nicholas Wayo (Ghana) Nicholas Wayo is a Ghanaian visual artist known for his bold, vibrant works that explore identity, cultural heritage, and society. By combining traditional references with a contemporary visual language, he creates pieces that invite reflection and interpretation. In ARTS & RHYTHMS, Wayo contributes an original artwork that serves as the inspiration for a Norwegian musician’s interpretation. Theresa Elise (Norway) Theresa Elise is a Norwegian musician and vocalist whose work is characterized by sensitivity, presence, and storytelling. Working across genres, she is particularly interested in translating visual and emotional impressions into sound. In ARTS & RHYTHMS, she interprets an artwork by Nicholas Wayo through a musical performance that explores the relationship between image, atmosphere, and narrative. Oda Tungodden (Norway) Oda Tungodden is a Norwegian visual artist whose work is inspired by nature, human experience, and inner landscapes. Her practice is defined by a sensory and exploratory approach, where texture, color, and mood play central roles. In ARTS & RHYTHMS, she presents an original artwork that forms the basis for a musical interpretation by a Ghanaian artist. Epixode (Ghana) Epixode is a Ghanaian artist and songwriter recognized for his energetic performances and powerful stage presence. His music moves between genres such as reggae and afrobeat, often addressing themes of society, identity, and culture. In ARTS & RHYTHMS, he interprets an artwork by Oda Tungodden through a musical performance that explores the connection between visual art and sound. Kwabena Kwabena (Ghana) Kwabena Kwabena is an acclaimed Ghanaian artist celebrated for his warm, melodic style and exceptional ability to connect with audiences. Rooted in the highlife tradition, his music blends heritage and contemporary influences in a distinctive way. As a guest artist in ARTS & RHYTHMS, he presents an intimate acoustic performance, offering audiences a memorable and atmospheric musical experience.