Peter Owusu-Ansah is not only a visual artist but also an astute observer and contemplative thinker. As a Deaf individual, his unique perspective on life is shaped by the visual world around him. His ability to capture the essence of joy stems from a profound observation of how light interacts with various tones, influencing his understanding of color in its most vivid expressions.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Peter has critically examined the historical treatment of disabled bodies within the realm of art. Despite being Deaf since childhood, he initially did not identify with the label of deafness. It wasn't until his twenties that he became acutely aware of a world designed predominantly for those who hear and have able bodies—a realization that highlighted his sense of otherness and the challenges of fitting into a society that often privileges hearing individuals. Reflecting on his unique vantage point, Peter shares, "I understood the life in the silence, but for them [able bodies] we always have to use words." His experiences in galleries and museums emphasized the silence of that world, where visual expressions are appreciated without the need for verbal articulation.
For Peter, seeing is an autonomous language, distinct from spoken language, transcending the need for verbal interpretation. He believes that what we see elicits reactions, and reactions are central to all forms of communication. In a world predominantly oriented toward the hearing population, Peter acknowledges the ongoing effort to translate his visual works into verbal expressions, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an experiential understanding of seeing.
Peter's work has garnered recognition and been exhibited at prominent venues, including the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2020–21, The Museum in Waterloo/Kitchener, Filtered Ottawa Art Gallery, the Gladstone Hotel, and Tangled Art + Disability, among others. His work is also part of Corporate Collections including Canary Landing, TD Bank, Menkes, and Michael Garron Hospital. His participation in fairs as the Artist Project Toronto and the Toronto Outdoor Fair underscores the breadth and impact of his artistic contributions to the cultural landscape.