Photo by Andy Bonura
Jasmine Abena Colgan is an Ameri-Ghanaian artist, educator, scholar, entrepreneur, and civil rights activist based in Colorado. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2020 and her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Denver. A master printer, Colgan specializes in 19th-century historical photographic printing processes, including platinum and palladium, silver, and gold.
In 2019, Colgan was selected as a NEST Fellow and collaborated with a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry to develop the Ghanatype—a gold printing technique that incorporates raw materials from Obuasi, the site of the historic Obuasi Gold Mine, which played a pivotal role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Her artwork draws inspiration from the contemporary diaspora, exploring themes of mixed identity and the intersection of cultures. As a woman of both African and Irish descent, Colgan identifies as part of the “Vitiligan” race, celebrating the complexity and vibrancy of her lived experience.
In 2017, Colgan was named the Face of Vitiligo at a global conference, where she was recognized for her advocacy and social empowerment work through her non-profit organization, Tough Skin. Her journey has been featured in publications such as PEOPLE magazine, and she has been associated with TEDxMileHigh's Wonder: Women in Art experience.
Colgan’s entrepreneurial efforts extend to her business, By Abena, where she sources organic Shea Butter from Ghana to create handcrafted skincare products. Through her art and advocacy, she has cultivated meaningful international relationships and continues to champion diverse communities and cultures.