Painting with purpose: The journey of Anthony Jefferson Hanson

ANTHONY Jefferson Hanson is an award-winning Ghanaian artist and muralist whose journey reflects courage, creativity, and calculated risk. Known for his striking portraits, live paintings, and large-scale murals, Anthony has built a name for himself by daring to step into rooms where he was not invited—and leaving those rooms transformed.

From an early age, art was more than a subject in school; it was survival, identity, and ambition. While others were still deciding what they wanted to become, Anthony was already designing assignments for classmates and exploring different forms of visual expression. Graphic design, tattoo artistry, painting, and special effects makeup—he embraced them all. To him, art was never limited to one medium; it was a language.

Anthony, also known as Ashenso_gh, began his professional journey as a tattoo artist, viewing the human body as a living canvas. He approached tattooing not just as decoration, but as storytelling—a transfer of knowledge from canvas to skin. His skill quickly earned attention, and he went on to tattoo and paint for notable personalities.

But he wanted more than recognition; he wanted impact. His boldness often set him apart. On one occasion, he waited for hours just to meet a filmmaker, armed only with a sketchpad and belief in his talent. That single opportunity led him onto film sets, where he expanded his role into graphic design, poster creation, and special effects makeup, improvising materials when necessary and learning on the job. Anthony built his career not by waiting for perfect conditions, but by creating them.

A defining moment in his career came when he painted a portrait of then-Prince Charles during a visit to the United Kingdom. Years later, when Charles ascended the throne as King, Anthony resurfaced the artwork, which eventually gained attention and was presented as a congratulatory gesture from Ghana. What began as a personal artistic vision became a diplomatic cultural bridge. That moment underscored Anthony’s mindset: always think ahead. Always ask, “What’s next?”

His portfolio includes portraits of Ghanaian leaders such as President John Dramani Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the late Jerry John Rawlings, as well as international figures including Idris Elba. His murals and live art performances have taken him across borders. Whether painting in Miami’s Design District or exhibiting at corporate events tied to global brands, Anthony approaches every space with intention.

At one international exhibition, when fellow artists failed to appear, he stepped forward and created a spontaneous live painting linking Ghanaian culture to the host brand. The artwork was later transported overseas, a testament to both his preparation and instinct.

Behind the accolades lies a story of perseverance. Anthony speaks candidly about challenges, including financial struggles, rejection, and discouraging comments about his work. There were moments when his dreams seemed larger than his resources, and moments when critics questioned his direction.

“It hasn’t been easy; there have been demoralising words about my paintings,” he admits, but he chose to respond with discipline rather than defeat. He embraced competition, sharpened his originality, and remained humble enough to grow. For Anthony, humility is not surrender; it is strength under control.

Anthony believes that the true power of an artist lies in authenticity. He encourages young creatives to draw inspiration from their environment and culture rather than imitate trends. According to him, originality is what separates a good artist from a lasting one. He often describes talent as “grace”—a gift placed in one’s hands that, when nurtured with consistency and boldness, opens doors across industries and continents.

Today, Anthony Jefferson Hanson stands as more than a painter. He is a creative entrepreneur, mentor, and cultural ambassador. His dream is to see his works on global platforms, representing Ghana with pride and commanding international recognition. Through murals that transform public spaces and portraits that capture powerful personalities, Anthony continues to prove that art is not merely decoration—it is declaration.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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