african art

Sunlight drenches this batik on cotton work by K. Baka. Set in Aburi, an "aklowa" (village) about 30 miles north of Accra, the painting is a personal expression of what the artist considers to be one of his sanctuaries. The pair of cottage huts and coconut trees represent twins with whom he became enamored upon first visiting the village. Towering flora backdrop the serenity of Baka's refuge.

Aburi is a hilly town, renowned for its spectacular view, as the higher elevation affords glimpses of Accra rivaling those seen from a helicopter. Here also is the home of one of the world's most significant botanical gardens - a haven for exotic, tropical and medicinal plants. Inspired by the contrast between urbanity and the peace of the countryside, Baka elaborates this work using dyes extracted naturally from vegetables.

"En Ghana seguimos teniendo formas tradicionales de hacer negocios, que son muy eficaces y las realizan principalmente mujeres. Llevan sus productos en la cabeza, bandejas de frutas y alimentos, que venden en la calle o de puerta en puerta. desempeñan un papel importante en el desarrollo de África y, sin embargo, no se les reconoce el mérito, así que esta es mi manera de honrarlos", explica Samuel Ashong. Domina las técnicas del batik para retratar a seis mujeres cargando bandejas llenas de frutas y comida. Llega con un tablero de papel manila.