The Ghanaian Network

Helping the discerning user discover, taste and enjoy
the variety of Ghanaian culture
on offer in London

 

Past

Strong tribal, European and even Arabic influences coloured a lot of Ghana’s art in the past. Sadly, art wasn’t taken seriously as a profession. The fight to obtain economic stability forced Ghanaians to seek more established professions such as lawyers, doctors and accountants. In fact it became customary, honorable and ‘the norm’ to pursue such professions. A large exodus ensued as Ghanaians travelled to Europe and the Americas to achieve this. Economic survival was the name of the game, a career in Art just wasn’t seen as a viable option.

 

Present

Somehow this still didn’t fulfil the needs of the country. In fact many Ghanaians returned fully qualified only to realise there weren’t opportunities waiting for them back at home as they had hoped. It was time to get creative. Some were lucky and could open up their own practices but often facing the prospect of unemployment, many turned their hands to the gifts they had mastered growing up. Carpentry, fine art and sculpture to name but a few became sidelines for many. Initiatives such as Fairtrade resonated with the worlds conscious and captured the plight of many Ghanaians.

 

Prospective

The rise of Ghana’s entrepreneur may seem like an overnight success but it has been the lifeblood for Ghanaians for several years. There’s also a push away from the secure professions to those that appear leisurely and daring. Ghanaian artists, actors, directors and authors are beginning to make their mark on the world in an exciting and unique way. The Arts - which was once looked down upon is now becoming a well sought after and prestigious profession.

What is excellence?

How can you relay it in a way that encapsulates the hard work, sights, sounds, dreams and visions of the artist who spends hours and hours toiling away at his or her craft?

Seeking knowledge is what drives a lot of art; in fact some pieces of art can be a solution to a problem. In Ghana, there are a lot of successful enterprises born out of trying to solving problems, trying to survive.

On the way to my parents’ home town, Korforidua (Eastern Region); there were beautiful workshops and markets showing off their wares as we drove up mountains. Food, clothes, makeup, jewellery, instruments you name it, it was there! A wonderful wood shop caught my attention with their freshly sculpted ornaments sitting out proudly on display. I still remember the smell of the wood till this day. My mum gave me that knowing smile and set to work haggling a great deal for me.

So let’s continue the trend, allowing ourselves to be fully immersed in art by granting it permission to show us there is another way, awash with endless possibilities.