These are pieces from a series of visual poems inspired by the Adinkra, a symbol language from Ghana, created by the Bono people and later adopted by the Asante. Each symbol is tied to a proverb, concept or historical event from Ghanaian history. Adinkra symbols can still widely be seen in textile, jewelry and graphic designs and several, including Sankofa, Nkyinkyim and Gye Nyame appear frequently in African American iconography. More recently, efforts have been made to create a full phonetic alphabet around the Adinkra, lead by the work of Charles M. Korahkye, who I had the pleasure of consulting with.
This series draws on the Adinkra’s original use as funeral garments and work as a means to reflect on my own relationships with masuclinity, Black identity, sexuality and fatherhood.