Walsall Society Artist Winner of Birmingham Open 2025
Posted on Jun 04, 2025Ispahani Mucka
Winner of the Birmingham Open 2025
The competition’s top honour goes to Ispahani Mukah, whose artwork ‘Light Keeper’ (pictured above) captivated the judging panel with its originality, creative flair and technical excellence – earning him a £1,000 cash prize, a portfolio review and special 2025 award: a joint exhibition at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Art.
Ispahani is a Birmingham-based emerging multidisciplinary artist whose intricate ballpoint pen artworks explore identity, cultural spontaneity and the divine. Drawing from his Cameroonian heritage and life in the UK, his work revives overlooked histories and sparks dialogue around identity.
His work has been exhibited at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, London (2024), RBSA Gallery (2024), and Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry (2025). He has been highly commended at the RBSA Friends Exhibition 2025 and Coventry Open 25 Exhibition and won the 2020 United Nations Youth with Refugees Competition. He exhibits regularly with the Walsall Society of Artists and has run youth workshops for Plasma of Hope.
Mukah’s committed to community engagement, delivering free creative workshops for over 100 children in Cameroon. With emotionally resonant mark-marking and growing presence in contemporary figurative art, he continues to challenge narratives and celebrate identity’s evolving nature.
Speaking of his win, Ispahani Mukah said: “Winning the Birmingham Open 25 Competition is an incredible honour. I’m truly grateful that my biro drawing, “Light Keeper”, deeply resonated with Birmingham’s vibrant community. It’s been a privilege meeting some of the city’s most remarkable talents and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the organisers, judges, and Colmore Business District for championing artistic expression. This recognition not only validates my artistic voice but also serves as a springboard for what’s ahead.”
