Inspired to pursue art

Alexandre Amegah fell in love with art in middle school, following in the steps of his older brother. 

But when he began coursework in the art major at TU, his confidence was waning. A trio of faculty members provided the encouragement Amegah needed.

Amanda Burnham, associate professor in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education, quickly saw his talent and encouraged Amegah to pursue a career in art. “My success in her class motivated me and helped ease my transition to Towson,” he recalls.

“ The Center for the Arts at TU gives you a huge advantage, providing the space, tools and materials to create art outside the classroom. ”

Tonia Matthews, associate professor of art and printmaking coordinator, helped him gain access to a printmaking studio on campus outside of class. “The Center for the Arts at TU gives you a huge advantage, providing the space, tools and materials to create art outside the classroom,” says Amegah. 

In the graduate studio he shared with another student, Amegah devoted an additional 10 hours each week to his work. “Art is time-intensive, and you have to be willing to put in time if you want to go for the gold,” he adds.   

Amegah’s big break came when dance professor Vincent Thomas invited him to show his work, primarily woodcuts and multi-abstracts, during Thomas’ performances at The Theatre Project in downtown Baltimore in spring 2018. “Professionally, there is a certain status that comes with putting a show together,” says Amegah. “It is exciting but stressful.”

With the completion of his final student project, Amegah finally thinks of himself as an artist.  “I now realize I do have a talent and should keep pushing myself. I am not afraid to fail and to get back up until I succeed.”

View a Gallery of Alexandre Amegah’s Artwork

To see a collection of Amegah’s artwork, view the image gallery below or check him out on Instagram.

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