African cultural symbols have inspired me to look into the principle of symbolism, and its powerful role in the cultural history of Africa as well as in later decades, in the protest movement.
In my collections I endeavour to pay tribute to icons and symbolism, and the role these have in developing cultural values and changing or educating society.
This series of artworks was initially inspired by the Sankofa symbol.
The idea of “Sankofa” is represented by a mythical bird, carrying an egg in its beak, which symbolises the encapsulated treasures of past wisdom. Its message is that we need to take the lessons of our ancestors and cultural roots with us to enhance and protect our future. In fact, the word ‘Sankofa’ has its origins in the language of the Akan tribe in Ghana, and roughly means “remembering our past, to protect our future” ( san – to return; ko – to go; fa – to fetch, to seek and take).
This is as relevant to freedom from exploitation, as it is to cultural enrichment.
For Example...
The meaning of this symbol has direct relevance to my interest in the Harlem renaissance, in which a celebration of Africa’s rich historical – cultural heritage, grew respect and admiration for the beauty of African-influenced art, music and literature. This was a challenge to the racist degradation of 1920’s and 30’s America, giving a new-found confidence to the black population and a new inter-cultural dialogue that was to be a stimulus for the civil rights movement and the eventual dissolution of the oppressive laws and dictates imposed by racist ideology.
In this collection, I have African symbols which are juxtaposed with icons from more recent decades of the protest movement against racism. Icons influence and educate society with the ideas they represent. This can help bring about radical change, or re-inforce cultural and ancestral wisdom so that it is not lost with the passage of time. Whilst the Sankofa bird represents forward-thinking from the roots, the closed fist of the Black Power symbol represents strength in emancipation.
The Sankofa Symbol has evoled...
I explore its different manifestations in this collection. Examples of other symbols in this series are the Egyptian Ankh and the Tree of Life -both associated with the concept of the key of eternal life. Classic political symbols in different forms will also be a key part of this exhibition.
A symbol can be both explicit and implicit; for example the ‘Black power’ symbol depicting one hand raised in defiance of racism, could be viewed as a hand freed from the chains of slavery. The psychological impact of symbols and their subliminal effect, have been known to impact on whole societies to precipitate change. I am interested in cultivating awareness of the immense significance of the role of symbols both on a personal and political level.
