A 29-year-old artist is on a quest to find a mysterious stranger who unknowingly became the subject of her latest artwork after she encountered him near the Humber Bridge in May. Emma Prempeh was walking along the Hessle foreshore seeking artistic inspiration when she spotted a man with a walker who appeared "really serene," creating what she described as "the perfect image."
Prempeh asked the man for permission to photograph him, which he granted, but she failed to get his contact information. Now, months after completing the painting, she deeply regrets not obtaining his details. "I keep thinking 'why didn't I get his name?' I wish I could locate him. To me it would mean a lot," Prempeh explained.
The artist expressed how strange it feels to have created a work without knowing her subject's identity. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, she reflected on the significance of the artwork: "You're immortalized in a way and it will live forever, and there's a beauty in that." She would "love" to meet her muse to express her gratitude and show him the finished painting.
Prempeh's work draws inspiration from themes of home, identity, and memory, reflecting her personal artistic journey. Her latest exhibition, titled "The Nearness of Elsewhere," explores her African-Caribbean heritage while incorporating her recent experiences living in Hull. The collection represents a blend of cultural identity and place-based inspiration.
The exhibition is currently on display at the 87 Gallery on Princes Avenue and will run until December 19th, giving the mystery man and art enthusiasts alike an opportunity to view the completed work. Prempeh hopes that by sharing her story, she might be able to connect with the man who unknowingly became part of her artistic legacy and show him how his serene moment by the water has been transformed into lasting art.
