Basquiat Inspired "Fawohodie" Canvas

Message from the artist:

"In this project, I've sought to blend my unique artistic style with the profound influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat's exploration of African-American culture, through the use of bold shapes and cultural references, provided a rich foundation for my creative journey.

While Basquiat's influence is unmistakable, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture. This involved immersing myself in Ghanaian mythology and cultural motifs to gain a nuanced understanding. My focus gravitated towards themes of power, strength, and resilience, which led me to interpret a mythical Ghanaian character: Ananse Tontonte. This character, reminiscent of a spider, embodies qualities of cunning intelligence and unwavering resilience—symbolizing the Ghanaian spirit of overcoming challenges with agility and wit.

In bringing Ananse Tontonte to life on canvas, I aimed for abstraction, employing bold brushstrokes to convey a sense of power, while incorporating fluid hand movements to symbolize freedom. Furthermore, I infused the artwork with authentic Ghanaian expressions, such as "Nkrata" for strength, "Nkrante" for power, and "Asɛmpa" for freedom.

As for the color palette, I opted for a dynamic combination of black, yellow, and red tones, complemented by rough textures and elements of street graffiti to evoke a raw, authentic energy."

- @Matousssi