Biography
Ispahani Mukah is a Cameroonian-born visual artist based in Birmingham, widely recognised for his evocative biro drawings. His work explores the human form with intimacy and depth, capturing the quiet drama of everyday life through spontaneous, layered lines. Mukah’s practice is deeply rooted in technique. He draws with a rhythm of repeated lines that build and pulse across the page, creating a sense of vibration and interconnection. These layers are not only visual but emotional, forming portraits that feel alive with presence and energy.
At the heart of his approach is a love for simple tools. He works primarily with the ballpoint pen, an everyday object that becomes a powerful instrument in his hands. This choice reflects his belief that meaningful work can emerge from modest means, driven by intention, observation, and care. Mukah’s portraits are studies in stillness and presence. They reveal vulnerability, strength, and individuality. Each drawing is both structured and instinctive, reflecting a quiet intensity that invites close looking.
His work has been exhibited nationally at venues including the ING Discerning Eye, the Coventry Open, and the RBSA Drawing Prize. He was the global winner of the 2020 UNHCR Youth with Refugees Art Contest and won first prize at Birmingham Open 25.Beyond the studio, Mukah leads community workshops in the UK and Cameroon, using drawing as a tool for self-expression and connection. With academic backgrounds in Art History and Computer Science, he brings both analytical precision and emotional depth to his visual storytelling.
Through layered lines, simple materials, and attentive practice, Mukah invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and find meaning in the quiet details of human experience.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Education
2022 – BA in Art History, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
2017 – BSc in Computer Science, University of Buea, Cameroon
Selected Exhibitions
2025 – RBSA Drawing Prize, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham
2025 – Birmingham Open 25, Snow Hill Square, Birmingham
2025 – Drawn Diamonds, St Paul’s Cathedral, Walsall
2025 – Threads of Connection, Cista Arts (online)
2025 – Coventry Open 25, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry
2024 – ING Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London
2024 – RBSA Portrait Prize, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham
2024 – RBSA Friends Exhibition, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham
2020 – A World Where Kindness Defeats Covid-19, UNHCR (online)
2017 – Jeunes Espoir 2017, Doual’art Gallery, Douala, Cameroon
Awards & Recognition
2025 – Winner, Birmingham Open 25
2025 – Nominated, Young Person of the Year 2025, Cameroon Youth Awards(CYA)
2025 – Shortlisted, RBSA Drawing Prize
2025 – Highly Commended, Coventry Open 25
2024 – Highly Commended, RBSA Friends Exhibition
2021 – Global Winner, UNHCR Youth With Refugees Art Contest
2020 – Finalist, High Art 2020 (19th Place)
2020 – Selected Artist, UNICEF Youth Mediathon
2019 – Winner, YMCA Cameroon Comic Contest
Workshops & Community Engagement
2025 – Facilitator, Biro Drawing Workshop, Stryx Gallery, Jewelry quarter, Birmingham
2025 – Co-facilitator, Children’s Arts Workshop, Plasma of Hope, Walsall
2022–2023 – Founder & Facilitator, Art & Creativity Workshop, Buea, Cameroon
Talks & Professional Experience
2025 – Artist Talk, RBSA Drawing Prize Exhibition, Birmingham
2025 – Guest, Creative nowhereland Podcast
2024 – Artist Talk, RBSA Friends Exhibition, Birmingham
2022 – Panelist, Silicon Mountain Conference, Buea
2020 – Contributing Artist, UGM Music Container Vision, Yangzhou, China
Memberships
2025 – EastSide Projects, Birmingham
2025 – Walsall Society of Artists
2024 – RBSA Friends Member, Birmingham