“A fool is a trapped wise man…”
DESIGN HISTORY
“A fool is a trapped wise man. You don’t kill a man whose eyes are not open yet because yours is.” Inspired by Oscar Reutersvärd.

COLour ODYSSEY

The COLour Odyssey is an artistic therapy, a collection of ourselves, and a journey through the lore that makes up our pasts, presents, and futures—both individually and collectively. The COLour Odyssey is an experimental colour and self-discovery project that is created to inspire the exploration of colours in African and Western cultures, specifically as a narrative form: as stories. The COLour Odyssey is a collection of ourselves and a journey through the lore that makes up our pasts, presents, and futures—both individually and collectively. These symbols narrate our inner and collective selves. They are hypocatastatic visionings.  

The forthcoming work will display 30 new, original pieces created from the interworking of Ghanaian symbolism and Western contexts. One of the oldest known Adinkra cloths acquired in 1817 by Bowdich is exhibited in the British Museum and consists of nine motifs. While Adinkra as symbols have already made their Western debut, this collection is the adaptation and deconstruction of Adinkra symbols using colour to twist and create collective storytelling of our modern and ancestral lives.

Different societal ontologies hold different meanings for various colours. Colours elicit variable emotional responses. While I will tell one story, the story that the viewer tells or interprets is variable. Beyond the symbols themselves, the colours move self-discovery. The questions central to the peace demand answers in the interpretation of the colour and symbol story: Who am I? Identity. Where am I from? Source. Why am I here? Purpose. What can I do? Potential. Where am I going? Destiny.  The viewer is in conversation with the work and a parable for self emerges…

This piece calls together African communities and Canadians to knowledge through visual storytelling and communal story-making. Together we come to this watering hole and refresh our diasporic selves and insist that we have projected being into this space and belong here. Africa has built the world. Our being has shaped contemporary realities. Both in the size and in the presentation of African symbols, objects, and colour stories, and sounds this piece is a disruption of hegemonic space, but also a bridge that connects across the space between us. Here we say it needs not to be either-or, but our multiple cultures and aesthetics can live together like pieces of a grander, eclectic narrative and a new vision for our collective world. 

“A Heart Is a House for Love”
DESIGN HISTORY
A heart is a house for love. And I learned (I learned) that it don’t take much to build it up. (Build it up.) Build it up, build it up, build it up.
Ooh
… Song by the Dells

A Pursuit of an unknown 2mor= (Tomorrow)
DESIGN HISTORY
The source of life is the Creator and the undefinable relentless forage burden upon mankind. “Vision is the source and hope of life. The greatest gift ever given to mankind is not the gift of sight, but the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes; vision is a function of the heart.”
The ultimate pursuit of man is an endless deep search for a utopian world that is the result of all man’s so-called sophisticated inventions (religions, government systems and structure, ideas, and pursuit of happiness). “Technology, Design, Art,… are some of the tools and systems we use in our pursuit of this unknown search.
I am convinced truly that every person on earth ultimately is searching for two things in life: purpose and power. “We are all looking for a meaning for our existence and the power to control our lives and our circumstances; power to determine the future and predict the unknown; power over death and life. We seek this purpose and power in many ways: search for, desire, to find by inquiry, thought, examination, religion, politics, money, fame, notoriety, recognition, influence, production of goods, or services.”

AKOMA – “the heart”
DESIGN HISTORY
Name/Theme: Akoma/Patience
Literal Translation: ‘Have a heart or take a heart’ (Glover, 1969)
Meaning: ‘Nya’ means to have or to acquire. ‘Akoma’ refers to the heart. Akoma – take heart, that is be patient. A person is said to be patient if that person is able to stay calm and not to react to any negative situations or the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.

Akoma Ntoaso (Symbol of Understanding, Agreement)
DESIGN HISTORY
Akoma Ntoaso – Symbol of Understanding, Agreement
Name/Theme: Akoma Ntoaso/ Understanding, Agreement.
Literal Translation: linked heart (Glover, 1969)
Meaning: Akoma – heart, ntoaso- linkage, linked hearts. This signifies a formal or informal decisions-agreement that people have reached together about something of importance.

All things have their origin
DESIGN HISTORY
All things have their origin – Everything has its kind here on Earth.

Ani Bere – Seriousness
DESIGN HISTORY
Ani Bere – Seriousness – This is a symbol of diligence, perseverance.
Ani bere a, nso gya, anka mani abere koo; Seriousness does not show fiery eyes, else you would see my face all red.

Animal Kingdom
DESIGN HISTORY
Article 204. The Laws of the Animal Kingdom Chapter I, II, III
Original Story “Ampan Dankwa” by Nana Ampadu.

Ashanti motif (series III of many)
DESIGN HISTORY
The beauty, rich silk cloth, art, architecture, the language of the Ashantee people.
…, a physician in the Danish service, who meditated a visit to Ashantee, writes, “ this mighty king has a piece of gold, like a charm, more than four men can carry… King, who was surrounded by a number of attendants, whose appearance bore evident signs of riches and authority: chains, stools, axes, swords, flutes, message-canes, &c. were either of solid gold or richly adorned with that metal: those dazzling appearances,…
Extracted from MISSION FROM CAPE COAST CASTLE TO ASHANTEE… BY T. EDWARD BOWDICH, ESQ.

Animal Kingdom  – adornment
DESIGN HISTORY
Article 204. The Laws of the Animal Kingdom Chapter I, II,
Original Story “Ampan Dankwa” by Nana Ampadu.
Monkey inspired by Gravures

Ashanti motif (series VIIII of many)
DESIGN HISTORY
Okwasea redi ne sika a, ose ne nsenĩa ye merew
When a fool is squandering his gold dust, he says his scales are out of order.

Sika, original meaning, gold, gold dust, now stands for money (gold, silver, or copper).

Nsenĩa. Scales. Light balances are used by the Ashantis for weighing gold dust. The weights, commonly known as ‘Ashanti weights’ are cast from metal by the cire perdue process and often show a high degree of aesthetic art. Each weight is designed to represent some object man, woman, animal, hunting-belt, pumpkin, &c., &c. The process of casting is as follows: A rough model of the object desired is worked in clay; when dry this is coated all over with beeswax, and all the finishing touches added. The whole model is then covered over with clay; a duct, or passage being left, leading to the wax. The clay is now heated, when the wax runs out leaving a space between the first and second layers, which would seem to point to these having originally been used as weights, and it would be most interesting to take, say two seeds from the tawa tree and compare the metal weight of that name, when the value of gold dust in ancient times might be roughly gauged. There ~ seem to be three bases of currency, the mpésewa, the taku, and the aɔkie, corresponding(approximately) to our 1d. 6d. 48. 6d. The designs used for weights would seem often to be symbolical.
Merew. – Soft, yielding, here of scales, easily weighed down, hence out of order.
Extracted from ASHANTI PROVERBS

Bese Saka – Sack of cola nuts – affluence, abundance, unity
DESIGN HISTORY
Bese Saka – Sack of cola nuts – affluence, abundance, unity
Literal Translation: “Bese” means “Cola nut” “saka” means bunch.
Meaning: it is the food for the weary, the food for greatness, a stimulant for power, and achievements (Glover, 1969).
Moral Value: They have learnt that the road to achievement is sometimes bitter but it turns to strengthen one’s life for great success. Little achievements give strength for one to carry on even when tiredness sets in. It is a symbol of power and wealth.
Extract from Cultural Symbolism in Asante Traditional Textiles by ABRAHAM EKOW ASMAH

Bird with a long tail
DESIGN HISTORY
My de(tail)’s prettier than yours. True BEAUTY is not seen with common eyes for its INNER (attitude, character, inner spirit being) issue.

Birth
DESIGN HISTORY
“The majority of human beings on earth have a broken spirit, an illness that physical diagnosis can not detect. It’s subtle programming from birth and it’s very deadly that many never get cured from. The truth of the matter is that we each were endowed at birth with a unique gift, something we were born to do or become that no one else can achieve the way we can.”

Bloody Gold Coast I
DESIGN HISTORY
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood:…”

BOA ME NA MEMMOA WO – “help me and let me help you”
DESIGN HISTORY
BOA ME NA MEMMOA WO means “help me and let me help you” Symbol of cooperation, interdependence.

“EYES THAT LOOK ARE COMMON BUT EYES THAT SEE ARE RARE” III
DESIGN HISTORY
True BEAUTY is not seen with common eyes for its INNER (attitude, character, inner spirit being) issue. The Life Liveth in Me is like a real beauty it’s difficult to describe or define it but you know when you see it.

Calisthenics
DESIGN HISTORY
calisthenics – kalós (καλός), which means “beautiful” (to emphasize the aesthetic pleasure that derives from the perfection of the human body), and sthenos (σθένος), meaning “strength” (great mental strength, courage, strength, and determination).

DONNO NTOASO – Talking Drum
DESIGN HISTORY
“The talking drum is a communication device common to many tribes across West Africa. The talking drum is beaten to relay a local language and convey a message to people within the community.
For the Akan people in the Asante land of Ghana, the symbol of the talking drum poetic excellence and goodwill. It can also be used to send praises and goodwill to the people of the community.”

DWENNIMMEN – Ram Horn
DESIGN HISTORY
Proverb: ‘Dwenini ahoɔden ne n’aben; wopan n’aben a na woayi no, awie no.’
The strength of the ram lies in its horns, once they are plucked off, then it is caught in a trap. Dwenini refers to a ‘ram’ and it signifies humility. Aben also refers to Horns it also signifies strength. Therefore ram’s horn means humility and strength (Rattray: 267). The symbol stresses humility in every aspect of life, to learn and acquire knowledge. It discourages people from being arrogant but rather humble in order to accomplish all their endeavors. This is a symbol of humility and strength.
Extract from Cultural Symbolism in Asante Traditional Textiles by ABRAHAM EKOW ASMAH

EDEN Series
DESIGN HISTORY
“EDEN – Spot, Moment, Open Door, Presence.
The spot for the moment where the presence of God is an open door to Heaven. It is a spot on the planet where God brought the heavenly presence to touch the earth.”

Epa  – Symbol of Slavery
DESIGN HISTORY
Epa  – Symbol of Slavery
Name/Theme: Epa/slavery
Meaning: Epa literally refers to Handcuffs
Proverb: ‘Onii a, ne pa da wonsa, akowa nne wo’. Ono na wodan no.
Literal Translation: You are a slave to him whose handcuffs you wear. He is the one you serve
Meaning: The proverb signifies a mark of total servitude for subjects, that is, a sign of complete ownership for the captor or an authority. This symbol is also used for the production of adinkra cloth and other traditional prints.
Extract from Cultural Symbolism in Asante Traditional Textiles by ABRAHAM EKOW ASMAH

Erogenous Zones Series
DESIGN HISTORY
Erogenous zones: (feel-good areas)

Erogenous Zones: Forever Kissing
DESIGN HISTORY
Fervour & Forever Kissing. Love – a decision to meet the basic needs of another human at every opportunity (and except nothing back)

Erogenous Zones: Adam (אָדָם) Effect Series IV
DESIGN HISTORY
“A truly single person is one who is complete physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually without dependence upon anyone else.”

Erogenous Zones: Adam (אָדָם) Effect Series V
DESIGN HISTORY
“A truly single person is one who is complete physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually without dependence upon anyone else.”aesthete’s items (ai) edition

Erogenous Zones: Covering (Body Suit)
DESIGN HISTORY
A man (mankind) is a spirit, he leaves in a body and possesses a soul. Whoever is able to control the soul(is the integration of the Mind, Will, Emotions and it is a media that mediate between your spirit and body) rules the man.

Erogenous Zones: Covering (Body Suit) II
DESIGN HISTORY
A man (mankind) is a spirit, he leaves in a body and possesses a soul. Whoever is able to control the soul(is the integration of the Mind, Will, Emotions and it is a media that mediate between your spirit and body) rules the man.

Erogenous Zones: Hug Me (Love is fed by love, not time)
DESIGN HISTORY
A connection is forgetting yourself and be interested in the other person. True love is not complete until it gives itself.
The death sentence of love
The most dangerous REASONS for love.
Why do you love me? I love you BECAUSE, I love you IF, I love you WHEN,
I love you WHENEVER you, I love you EVERY-TIME you, I love you AS LONG AS you,
I love THE WAY you.

Erogenous Zones: Locky (Leadership)
DESIGN HISTORY
“Leadership is the capacity to influence (is when people are so impacted by your conviction of character that they are willing to surrender their authority to your cause, that’s called following) others through inspiration (people are inspired by your passion and not your preaching and shouting, passion is the willingness to die for what you believe in) generated by a passion (when a person captures a vision that they believe more than the present then passion takes over their lives, passion is a desire that is stronger than death, when a person believes in a vision that they are willing to die for it a leader is born) motivated by a vision (purpose in the picture, where you see your end, your destiny in photographs, you begin to see how you are supposed to help the world, how to contribute to your generation, true vision is to improve your generation. When you see a vision it becomes a reality) birth by a conviction (a belief in your signature, I am important to the world, a conviction will always begin to show up in pictures) produced by a purpose (discovering the original intent for your life and this happens when you have an encounter with our maker”) – Dr. Myles Munroe

Erogenous Zones: Moral and spiritual rectitude
DESIGN HISTORY
The truth and meaning of Life is to be seated on justice and righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation.)

Erogenous Zones: Moral and spiritual rectitude II
DESIGN HISTORY
The truth and meaning of Life is to be seated on justice and righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation.)

Erogenous Zones: Relationship
DESIGN HISTORY
“Human beings are social creatures, and we relate to each other on three levels: spirit, mind, and body. To put it another way, we interact with each other in the spiritual, soulical, and physical dimensions. This progression is very important. Healthy relationships should always begin at the spiritual and intellectual levels, the levels of purpose, motivation, interests, dreams, and personality.”

Erogenous Zones: Sex (Hand and Book)

DESIGN HISTORY
“Sex is manifested in humans (we are born sexual creatures). Sex is giving by God to express love; differences in primary needs in males and females. The primary needs of males are respect, recreational companionship, and sex. The primary needs of females are love, conversation, and affection.”