A vibrant hand-painted movie poster created by Ghanaian artist C.A. Wisely for HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has drawn widespread attention as part of the show’s Emmy “For Your Consideration” campaign.

The artwork blends the chaotic energy of classic Ghanaian film posters with memorable moments from the satirical news program.

The large-scale painting features John Oliver prominently in the center, wearing a plaid jacket and glasses while holding pistols. Explosions, writhing tentacles, blood splatters, snakes, and dramatic action elements fill the composition.

Additional details include a horse with a human-like hand sharing a wine-drinking scene, Henry Winkler’s Fonz character gripping a pickaxe, muscular figures, chaotic cityscapes, and props drawn from various show segments.

The artist incorporated reference images provided by the production team, including Oliver forcing his way onto a soap opera, his fictional wife Wanda Jo at a med spa, and the Moon Mammoth mascot from a minor league baseball rebrand.

Wisely added imaginative touches and at least one non-show character while embracing the signature Ghanaian poster style of vibrant colors, theatrical flair, and unapologetic excess.

C.A. Wisely created the piece in his studio outside Accra. The final work appeared on the Last Week Tonight set, where Oliver held a smaller print beside the framed original. A billboard displaying the poster also appeared on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles for a late-night run.

High-quality archival giclée prints measuring 16×24 inches are now available for purchase at $50 through HangJohnOliver.com. Fifty percent of the profits go directly to the artists in Ghana, while the remaining portion supports community-led charities across the country through a partnership with GlobalGiving and the Ghana Community Impact Fund.

Bold Visual Storytelling

Ghana’s hand-painted movie posters gained prominence in the 1980s with the rise of mobile video clubs. Traveling operators screened Hollywood blockbusters, Nollywood films, and other international titles in towns and villages using makeshift setups.

Local artists painted oversized promotional posters on flour sacks or canvas to attract audiences. These works typically exaggerated drama, combined multiple scenes into one dynamic composition, and favored raw excitement and bold colors over strict realism.

The distinctive folk art form has since earned recognition for its creativity and cultural significance.

Wisely stands among the leading contemporary figures continuing this tradition. Through collaborations with galleries such as Deadly Prey, he has reinterpreted films including Heat, Point Break, Alien, and Twin Peaks in his signature approach.

His paintings combine meticulous detailing with theatrical energy, attracting international collectors while highlighting Ghanaian artistic talent.

The commission for Last Week Tonight highlights a creative fusion between Western satirical television and African folk art traditions. Deadly Prey Gallery, dedicated to preserving and promoting hand-painted Ghanaian movie posters, facilitated the project.

The partnership extends beyond the single artwork to broader support for Ghanaian creative communities.

Global Reach

Social media reactions following the episode reflected strong appreciation. Ghanaian users expressed national pride in the artist’s achievement, while international audiences praised the vibrant composition and energetic style.

The segment on the show also explored the history of Ghanaian mobile cinemas and hand-painted posters, featuring archival footage and context about how the art form has adapted from the VHS era to the present streaming landscape.

For Wisely, the project brings validation to a grassroots artistic practice that originated outside formal gallery systems. Studio photographs show the artist working on the large canvas amid paint supplies, with the completed piece later displayed proudly on the HBO set.

The initiative demonstrates how cultural exchange can create tangible benefits, including artist workshops, material support, and funding for local initiatives in Ghana.

As prints ship to collectors worldwide, the poster serves dual purposes: a memorable promotional piece for the television program and a celebration of an enduring artistic heritage. In an age dominated by digital content, this handcrafted work highlights the enduring appeal of physical artistry and cross-cultural collaboration.

The project illustrates how creativity can bridge distances, challenge perceptions, and generate meaningful support for artists in the Global South.

Wisely’s painting captures the absurd, high-energy spirit associated with Last Week Tonight through the distinctive visual language of Ghanaian poster art.

Fans acquiring the prints bring a piece of Accra’s creative scene into their homes, evidence that compelling visual storytelling transcends borders and mediums.