EDINKANFO AKRA II - Souls Of The Past Painting

A contemporary traditional artist who formerly had my education in Ghana. I went to Chemu Senior high school in Tema, where I offered visual art. I further my education in the accounting sector but realized accounting wasn't my area of profession. I upgraded my art in a private art school. Primarily my work involves the use of water-based acrylic paints on cotton fabric and canvas.  My paintings  are heavily inspired by the intricate patterns, design and cultural depth of Adinkra symbols, these symbols with their ancient origin and communicative power resonate deeply with my work, fueling my creative process. My creative process involves utilizing carved wooden blocks or foam designs as stamps, a technique that allows to incorporate ancient symbols, intricate designs, geometric lines, patterns and shapes into my paintings. Artist statement My compositions of art often feature textured or plainly colored background, with basic elements of design such as geometric lines, shapes, and abstract forms. These are further accentuated with hand-felt crafts like cowries, feathers, metals and small wood pieces, with a predominant use of black outlines, that add a contrast and unique quality to my paintings. My art lies a celebration of indigenous symbols, the history connected in them, the use in everyday fashion and its communicative power to connect generations. My work captures African culture but also communicates its timeless beauty and relevance to the contemporary art world.