The Many Phaced God Samuel Blankson Intertwines Digital Precision with Traditional Craftsmanship

Ghanaian-born and UK-based artist Samuel Blankson, known as TheManyPhacedGod, is redefining contemporary portraiture by intertwining digital precision with traditional craftsmanship. His debut solo exhibition presents a compelling series of profile-view portraits that blur the boundaries between abstraction and surrealism, inviting viewers to explore layered narratives of identity, emotion, and human experience.

Blankson’s creative process begins in the digital realm, painting meticulously on his iPad. Once complete, these digital works are printed onto canvas, becoming a foundation upon which he builds further, using oil pastels and acrylics to introduce rich textures and tactile depth. The result is a beautiful fusion of mediums: artworks that pulse with raw emotion and refined technique.

Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your debut solo exhibition? What themes or emotions were you hoping to convey through your work?

Samuel: I find joy in revealing glimpses of how I think or feel, a quiet exploration that helps keep my mind from spiraling. I paint because of who I am, what I witness, and what I endure. Life itself is the muse, whispering inspiration with every breath.

Influenced by icons such as Picasso and Basquiat, Blankson’s work reflects a bold blend of neo-expressionism and surrealism. His pieces not only pay homage to these revolutionary artists, but also forge a deeply personal and contemporary visual language; one that grapples with inner truths, fleeting thoughts, and the chaotic beauty of everyday existence.

Your art combines illustration and abstraction, drawing influences from artists like Picasso and Basquiat. How have these influences shaped your artistic vision?

Samuel: These are superhumans who paved the way for a god like me to express my anger, ideas, and creativity in my everyday life. Sometimes, death motivates me, so I create to satisfy myself, to draw or paint every moment of my life.

A hallmark of Samuel Blankson’s artistic philosophy is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. “I paint how I feel, when I feel it, and I’m unapologetically true to my emotions and vision,” he states. This raw honesty ensures that every piece he creates is a sincere expression of his internal world; unfiltered, immediate, and deeply personal.

Your work blends neo-expressionism and surrealism. Can you describe how these styles come together in your pieces and what they represent for you?

Samuel: When I paint, I reflect on who I am, and who I could be. I express myself to connect with others, or sometimes to hide things you won’t easily decode. Neo-expressionism feels like data to me, that’s why I write and use symbols. My surrealism, my fantasies, will only end when I stop breathing. I create to let go, to move on, and to stop overthinking.

The exhibition’s colour palette, rich in reds, whites, and blues, serves as a subtle nod to the United Kingdom, where Blankson lives and gathers much of his inspiration. These hues represent not just his surroundings, but the cultural and emotional environment that influences his work, blending personal identity with place, memory, and migration.

You’ve said, “I paint how I feel, when I feel it, and I’m unapologetically true to my emotions and vision.” How does this philosophy guide the creation of your art, and how do you ensure your emotions are fully represented on the canvas?

Samuel: I use life as fuel for my art, my thoughts, moods, fantasies, and daily lessons all shape my expression. When I paint, it’s about capturing the vision and experience of being human. I never have a fixed idea of how the final piece will look, I just let myself be possessed by the process.

The opening night of Samuel Blankson’s debut exhibition was a vivid testament to his growing cultural footprint. Notable creatives such as Courtenay Kusitor, Shirley Amartey, and Kid Circus were in attendance, celebrating the artist’s visionary approach. A key highlight of the evening was the sale of the painting featured on the exhibition's invitation, an affirmation of how deeply his work resonates with audiences.

In your collaborations with artists like Black Coffee, Themba, and Fameye, how do you balance your artistic voice with the vision of the collaborators?

Samuel: It was a great moment, and I’m grateful they believed in me enough to collaborate. Painting what I feel is something I’ll never stop. I’m always ready to create. If you vibe with how my mind works, we’ll definitely have fun, especially around people who get and support my ideas.

Beyond aesthetics, Blankson’s art engages with broader societal themes, encouraging audiences to reflect on both personal and collective narratives.

What role does personal and societal commentary play in your artwork? Are there specific social issues you want your audience to engage with through your paintings?

Samuel: It’s been a tough journey, fire and dust, but my vision is to express what I think and feel through my art. When you see my work, I want you to feel like you created it too, whether it’s joy or pain. Society is just you and me, just be a “human.” So live fully.Also, remember I said, “how you look isn’t what you think.”

As he reflects on this pivotal moment, Blankson remains focused on growth and forward motion, continuously evolving as an artist.

Looking back at this exhibition, what do you hope your audience takes away from it? Is there a specific message or feeling you want them to remember?

Samuel: Whatever you choose to be, be so great at it that they’ll call you a demon. Ian Quhachi said, “Be whatever you want to be, but just be good at it.”Be different!

What’s next for you as an artist? Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should be excited about?

Samuel: I’m passionate about fashion and love blending it with my art. I’m excited to collaborate with other creative minds and yes, my next exhibition is happening in London this July 2025.

All of Samuel Blankson’s original works are available for purchase through the Three Sisters Gallery.