FINDING INSPIRATION THROUGH ADINKRA SYMBOLS
The Adinkra symbols come from West Africa, specifically, a region that is modern-day Ghana and belonged to the Asante ( or Ashanti) peoples. I use many of these symbols throughout my work, some are easy to identify and others you have to look a little closer until they reveal themselves to you.
I love to hide subliminal messages in my artwork for people to find. I want to evoke conversation and plant seeds. Imagery is powerful and it is true what they say, a picture does paint a hundred words.
ADINKRAHENE "CHIEF OF THE ADINKRA SYMBOLS"
Symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership. This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols and signifies the Importance of leadership.
ESOTERIC
I have used this symbol in the background of this piece ” Esoteric” which is part of the “Deliverance of Womban“ collection from my latest exhibition
LWOFORO DUA PA A "WHEN YOU CLIMB A GOOD TREE"
Symbol of support, cooperation and encouragement, from the expression “Woforo dua pa a, na yepia wo” meaning “When you climb a good tree, you are given a push”. More metaphorically, it means that when you work for a good cause, you will get support.
SEP0W "SYMBOLISES JUSTICE"
This represents the knife used in executions. This is plunged through the throat of the victim’s cheeks to prevent him from invoking a curse on the King.
AYA "FERN: "SYMBOL OF ENDURANCE AND RESOURCEFULNESS"
The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. An individual who wears this symbol suggests that they have endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.
HIDDEN SIGNALS
I use all of these symbols in the piece Hidden Symbols, which is also part of the Deliverance of Womban series.
Also, if you take a closer look at Esoteric, you can see that the Sepow has also been used.
