Non-Western Blog

                    When it comes to discussing non-western art works, one cannot ignore that creative artistic that's been native to the African continent and it's culture. From all over the continent of Africa, artists from different backgrounds, tribes, and nations have utilized their own experiences to cultivate their own art styles. Among of the African nations that have produced that most appreciated works of African Art have originated from Ghana, among other African nations. It's been stated that Ghanian works of art in recent times have generated so much interest from people everywhere that such pieces of art have been considered to be high-priced pieces of art. Nevertheless, one notable feature that has been evident when examining art from Ghana is the use of watercolor. We will look at a couple of works that have been produced by Ghanian artists that have utilized this method and others.

Chief from the North by Arthur J.E. Bucknor, 1966, Ghana

(https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558841)

            This work of art titled Chief from the North was produced by Ghanian artist, Arthur Bucknor from Ghana is a piece of contemporary African Art that drew my attention due to the details within the illustration of the subject in the painting is of the fact that the individual who is depicted in this work is wearing traditional African clothing, which is pretty common in parts of African, including during the modern era. This work of art produced by Bucknor in 1966 was done using pastel. My initial reaction to this painting was one of curiosity, as one can clearly see the expression of the individual's face in the painting. You get the sense that it's a look of concern. My reason of selecting this piece of art was simply due to the simplicity of the painting. It felt relatable to me, as I happen to be a son of African immigrant parents, who has interacted with many Ghanian-American co-workers and neighbors. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much available information regarding the biography of this work by Arthur Bucknor. Despite this inconvenience, one could easily find this piece of artwork within the national archives.

Woman Grinding Corn by Kofi Antubam, 1947-1967, Ghana

(https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558813)

                    Another notable African Art painting that originated was this one that was titled Woman Grinding Corn by Kofi Antubam using watercolor. Not much is known as to the biography that's behind the production of this artwork. However, the illustration gives us the insight of how life may have been like for the average Ghanian woman, grinding corn during the period in which Antubam had produced this painting.li The emotions that I get when I saw this image was one of appreciation and humility, as the work done that is being shown within this painting is one that can easily be considered as being "heavy labor", especially for a woman living in Africa during this period in world history. I chose this painting from the national archives selection in part because of what I saw to be resonating with me. A woman working with a young child in doing some heavy activity. I couldn't locate the biography/reason behind this painting. However, one point to be aware of about Woman Grinding Corn is that it was created using watercolors, which was one of the more common tools that Ghanian artists used to create paintings, and this painting that was done by Antubam is no different. 

A Cottage by Dartey E. Owusu, 1947-1967, Ghana

 (https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558863)

                    One last prominent African artist from Ghana is Dartey Owusu, who is responsible for the painting that is shown above that's titled, A Cottage, was produced sometime between 1947 and 1967 in Ghana.  Like Antubam, Owusu uses watercolors in creating A Cottage. The setting appears to be a remote area, presumably somewhere in Ghana, with daylight appearing in the background high above the presence of trees and a cottage building. I am not sure about the story behind this illustration by Owusu. However, the emotion that comes to mind when I view this work done by Owusu is one of relaxing and calmness. Looking at this picture gives me a peace of mind, as it creates a setting of a area where I'd like to spend time relaxing. I chose this piece of artwork for my exhibit because it gives viewers a side of Ghana/Africa that many people may not be aware about, such that they would know whether sceneries like the one that Owusu is demonstrating here is possible. 

References:

"A Cottage" National Archives Catalog. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558863. Accessed 29 April 2023.

"A Chief from the North" National Archives Catalog. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558841. Accessed 29 April 2023.

"Woman Grinding Corn". National Archives Catalog. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/558813. Accessed 29 April 2023.