On a Sunday afternoon in April 2021, I met virtually with painter Kwame Akoto, proprietor of the Almighty God Art Works studio located off the Suame Roundabout in Kumasi. The last time we had met in person was 2018, when I stopped by his studio to see his latest production and to bring Doran's greetings. Akoto had learned of Doran's passing in September 2020 from LA gallerist Ernie Wolfe, a mutual friend, who had called him immediately to share the news. During our recent conversation, Akoto was eager to share his feelings and memories of his long relationship with Doran Ross. This piece summarizes our exchange, where Akoto alternated recollections, hymns, and prayers as his tribute to “a great man.”
Doran first met the prolific artist Kwame Akoto in 1995 on one of his frequent visits to Kumasi, when he would traverse the city taking stock of the community of...