Pops Mensah-Bonsu
Oil on canvas 70 x 60cm
Louise Pragnell was selected for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery for her portrait of British-Ghanaian international basketball player Pops Mensah-Bonsu.
Pragnell’s work is one of 52 works chosen for the exhibition from almost 1,500 entries submitted by artists across 63 countries. The selection was made by a panel including Melissa Blanchflower (Senior Curator, Turner Contemporary), Es Devlin (digital artist and set designer), and Mary Evans (Director of the Slade School of Fine Art).
The portrait depicts Pops Mensah-Bonsu, London-born former NBA player, former President of G-League Operations for the New York Knicks, and current Ambassador for the NBA Basketball Africa League, who also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The work explores themes of heritage, responsibility, mentorship and cultural identity, shaped by his charitable work in Ghana.
The portrait originated during Pragnell’s visit to Ghana for the Omena Foundation’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and arts festival in Accra. Over several days she met Mensah-Bonsu at multiple events and observed his engagement with children at the Omena Foundation Kids Haven School and support centre.
Louise Pragnell commented: "I was inspired by Pops Mensah-Bonsu’s connection with the children in Ghana. I admired his embodiment of the Sankofa philosophy, connecting heritage, responsibility and future possibility. One young boy held his hand throughout the day and was reluctant to let go. I was struck by his focus and determination, but also his humility and gentleness with the children.”
Pops Mensah-Bonsu commented: "Seeing myself portrayed through Louise’s eyes revealed a side of me I didn’t know existed.”
The exhibition opens 25 June 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery, London, running until 7 October 2026
Pragnell’s work is one of 52 works chosen for the exhibition from almost 1,500 entries submitted by artists across 63 countries. The selection was made by a panel including Melissa Blanchflower (Senior Curator, Turner Contemporary), Es Devlin (digital artist and set designer), and Mary Evans (Director of the Slade School of Fine Art).
The portrait depicts Pops Mensah-Bonsu, London-born former NBA player, former President of G-League Operations for the New York Knicks, and current Ambassador for the NBA Basketball Africa League, who also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The work explores themes of heritage, responsibility, mentorship and cultural identity, shaped by his charitable work in Ghana.
The portrait originated during Pragnell’s visit to Ghana for the Omena Foundation’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and arts festival in Accra. Over several days she met Mensah-Bonsu at multiple events and observed his engagement with children at the Omena Foundation Kids Haven School and support centre.
Louise Pragnell commented: "I was inspired by Pops Mensah-Bonsu’s connection with the children in Ghana. I admired his embodiment of the Sankofa philosophy, connecting heritage, responsibility and future possibility. One young boy held his hand throughout the day and was reluctant to let go. I was struck by his focus and determination, but also his humility and gentleness with the children.”
Pops Mensah-Bonsu commented: "Seeing myself portrayed through Louise’s eyes revealed a side of me I didn’t know existed.”
The exhibition opens 25 June 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery, London, running until 7 October 2026
