Today’s Feature

May 17th

Kesewa Arbell Lavinia Aboah

Early Life & Family

Born May 1994, Aboah's birthplace is London, England. Her father, Charles Aboah, is a Ghanaian location scout in the fashion industry and a former barrister clerk. Her mother, Camilla Lowther, is a British fashion businesswoman and talent manager. Aboah's maternal grandmother, Lavinia (née Joyce), was an American from California. The Lowther family, to which Aboah belongs through her mother, is part of the British nobility and is led by the Earl of Lonsdale.

Kesewa's maternal great-grandfather, Anthony Lowther, held the title of Viscount Lowther and was the son of Lancelot Lowther, who was the 6th Earl of Lonsdale. Additionally, Aboah is a grandniece of James Lowther, who is the 7th Earl of Lonsdale. On her father's side, she is related to the Ghanaian politician William Kwasi Aboah. Furthermore, Kesewa Aboah is the younger sister of fashion model and activist Adwoa Aboah and a second cousin of fashion model Matilda Lowther.

For her education, Kesewa attended Millfield, a prestigious boarding school located in Somerset. Later on, she pursued her passion for art and obtained a degree in the field from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. This educational background has provided her with a strong foundation and knowledge in the arts, which she has utilised throughout her career.

Kesewa's diverse heritage, upbringing, and educational experiences have undoubtedly shaped her into the talented and accomplished individual she is today. Her connections to the fashion industry, both through her family and her own career, have allowed her to make a significant impact in the industry as a model and activist. Additionally, her artistic background has provided her with a unique perspective and creative abilities that she continues to explore and showcase in her work.

Career: Modelling

Kesewa Aboah is currently under contract with VIVA Model Management and DNA Models. Her modelling career began at the young age of six when she landed her first job with Jigsaw. Since then, she has appeared in advertising campaigns for top fashion brands such as Alexander McQueen and Miu Miu. Notably, in 2010, Aboah and her sister were chosen to star in an advertisement campaign for H&M, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In 2017, Kesewa made a memorable appearance on the runway for Coach New York's AW17 fashion show, showcasing her talent and versatility as a model. The following year, in September 2018, Aboah, her sister Adwoa, and cousin Alewya Demmisse were selected by Mario Sorrenti to be the faces of MANGO's AW18 campaign TOGETHER. Her impressive portfolio includes features in prestigious publications like Vogue, The Telegraph Magazine, Love, and i-D, as well as collaborations with renowned designers such as Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Burberry.

Aboah's career continued to flourish in 2018 when she appeared in ASAP Rocky's music video for the song "Sundress," showcasing her ability to transcend the world of fashion and make a mark in the music industry. In 2019, she walked the runway for Simone Rocha's Fall 2019 fashion show and later became the face of Links of London's Brutalist campaign in September of the same year. Kesewa's diverse portfolio and ability to collaborate with various brands and artists have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industries.

Art Journey

Pierre Lagrange, who had prior connections with the Aboah family, came across Aboah's artwork on social media. Impressed by her talent, he decided to commission her to create a unique canvas for H. Huntsman & Sons. The finished piece, named The Joy in Dancing With My Sisters, caught Lagrange's attention and he envisioned it as a bespoke jacket design for the brand.

Following the success of her first commission, Kesewa was approached to create a second piece for Huntsman's display window. This time, she titled her artwork All The Women And Me, showcasing her versatility and creativity in capturing different themes and emotions through her art. The collaboration between Aboah and Huntsman & Sons continued to flourish, with her work gaining recognition in the fashion and art world.

Prior to these commissions, Kesewa embarked on an artist's residency in Ísafjörður, Iceland, where she immersed herself in a new environment and drew inspiration from the stunning landscapes and culture of the region. This experience enriched her artistic journey and paved the way for her to pursue another residency in Mexico, further expanding her horizons and honing her craft as an artist. Kesewa's dedication to her artistry and her unique perspective continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Aboah's artistic talent shines through in her paintings, despite her relatively recent entry into the art world. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the fashion industry, Aboah credits her parents for instilling in her and her siblings the value of pursuing passion over mere success. This upbringing has shaped her approach to art, allowing her to explore her creativity freely and without fear of judgment. A snippet of the loving parents Kesewa is so proud of…..

A typical day for Aboah involves spending hours in her studio, which she considers her safe haven. Here, she can experiment, make mistakes, and work on her projects without any external pressures. The studio provides her with the space and freedom to express herself artistically, a luxury she is grateful for. Aboah's dedication to her craft is evident in her daily routine of chipping away at her projects, even when faced with challenges.

Initially grappling with imposter syndrome, Aboah has now found her stride and draws inspiration from various sources. Her paintings reflect a raw and vibrant energy, capturing the essence of freedom and humanity. Through her art, she conveys a sense of joy and liberation, resonating with viewers on a deeper level. Aboah's journey in the art world is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to overcome self-doubt to create meaningful and impactful work.