courage hunke (b. 2000), based in accra, ghana is a multidisciplinary artist and researcher whose practice explores the city as a living archive. his work investigates how urban environments function as ever-changing sites of memory, identity, and overlooked histories. hunke's art amplifies stories of forgotten communities and hidden spaces that rarely appear in dominant narratives, revealing how the true identity of a city extends far beyond its monuments and landmarks to encompass the everyday relationships, memories, and experiences unfolding in its streets and public spaces. hunke's art invites you to reconsider your relationship with urban space, challenging who and what matters in the city's story. he spotlights forgotten individuals who silently contribute to the city's thriving nature – blue collar workers, traders, and everyday people whose labour shapes the urban landscape.

hunke's process transforms urban observations into visual works through photography, documentation, and experimental techniques including image transfer, screen printing, drawing, and painting on heat-pressed plastic bags and wraps collected from the environment. by turning discarded materials into his canvas, he highlights the tension between fragility and resilience, mirroring the city's own capacity for reinvention. through his practice, hunke creates bridges between art and everyday life, fostering connections that transcend traditional boundaries between high culture and street-level experience. the residency provided opportunities for meaningful dialogue, including memorable exchanges during his dot.mat conversation that opened new perspectives on art's potential. these interactions deepened his understanding of how artistic practice can bridge individual expression and collective community engagement.

hunke also found renewed direction in his practice and space for deep reflection during his residency. the quiet south la studio, with its expansive glass window overlooking the city, became a contemplative space where he refined his experimental techniques with found materials, further pushing the boundaries of how discarded urban detritus could be transformed into meaningful artistic expression. a defining moment of hunke's residency was leading a community engagement workshop that expanded his ongoing project spotlighting forgotten urban contributors. he invited electricians, traders, and other blue collar workers to his studio to create collages, reinforcing his commitment to connecting art with everyday life. this workshop embodied his belief that art should be accessible and relevant to the communities it represents.