Handcrafted Wax-Dyed Cotton Artwork of Ghanaian City 'Cluster' Item ID: 2677063051

Name: Handcrafted Wax-Dyed Cotton Artwork of Ghanaian City 'Cluster'
Brand: Samuel Ashong
SKU: 2677063051
Price: 189.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$189.99

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About this item

"'From afar, most buildings in a crowded neighborhood are displayed as an assemblage of roofs, concrete, openings, and linkages, which also develop among the residents,' says Samuel Ashong while reflecting on his city's daily life. After choosing a palette of red and yellow hues, the artisan creates this expressionist wax print on cotton, depicting a view of Accra, a Ghanaian town, with every element made using traditional dye techniques."

Item detail

0.54 lbs
Artwork: 16 inches L x 20.8 inches W
Canvas: 20 inches L x 26 inches W
Wax on cotton; cardstock mat
Arrives unframed
Hanging accessories not included
Mat included
Signed by the artist

Made in Ghana

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Samuel Ashong

Currently I have developed my own techniques in batik production, which are labeled as "textile paintings." Reactive dyes and paraffin wax constitute the principal materials in the execution of these textile paintings. My aim was to use other materials apart from oil paints, gouache, acrylics etc., to achieve the same or better effects than would be derived in paintings. The results have been marvelous and my works could not be compared with other batiks that are seen world-wide.

"My themes are mainly of women, beach scenes and landscapes. I try to depict the daily activities of women in Africa when they get married - household chores, market life and caring for children and husbands - as the many parts of their daily responsibilities. This is the beginning of the fight for equality for the African woman.

"I have exhibited my works in the Ghanaian Contemporary Art Exhibition, IFA Gallery (Bonn, Germany, 1987), the World Y.W.C.A Art and Craft Exhibition (Arizona, 1989), the Ghanaian Contemporary Art Exhibition (Moscow, 1991) as well as throughout Ghana."

Ashong first paints his design onto cotton fabric with hot wax, covering the areas he does not wish to dye. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and the process is repeated for each color utilized.

Folk Art Wall Decor Traditional Wall Decor Cityscape Wall Decor Yellow Wall Decor Red Wall Decor Cotton Wall Decor

Samuel Ashong

Samuel Ashong batik wall art

"My name is Samuel Ashong. My life as an artist was augured in primary school when I took great delight in copying or tracing pictures and other childish artworks. Even though childish, these tracings were done to precision. In college I majored in the arts, specializing in textiles and sculpture. After my university education, I joined the Arts Council of Ghana from 1986 to date.

Currently I have developed my own techniques in batik production, which are labeled as "textile paintings." Reactive dyes and paraffin wax constitute the principal materials in the execution of these textile paintings. My aim was to use other materials apart from oil paints, gouache, acrylics etc., to achieve the same or better effects than would be derived in paintings. The results have been marvelous and my works could not be compared with other batiks that are seen world-wide.

"My themes are mainly of women, beach scenes and landscapes. I try to depict the daily activities of women in Africa when they get married - household chores, market life and caring for children and husbands - as the many parts of their daily responsibilities. This is the beginning of the fight for equality for the African woman.

"I have exhibited my works in the Ghanaian Contemporary Art Exhibition, IFA Gallery (Bonn, Germany, 1987), the World Y.W.C.A Art and Craft Exhibition (Arizona, 1989), the Ghanaian Contemporary Art Exhibition (Moscow, 1991) as well as throughout Ghana."

Ashong first paints his design onto cotton fabric with hot wax, covering the areas he does not wish to dye. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and the process is repeated for each color utilized.

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The traditional arts are a vibrant aspect of everyday life in West Africa. From richly intricate handwoven kente cloth fabrics, to intricately colorful beaded arts, ceremonial masks, and exquisite jewelry, to traditional throne-stools hand-carved for customers by the Ashanti king's actual chief carver, artisans proudly offer their region's finest handmade works of art.

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Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Samuel Ashong has received 6 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $300 and the most recent for $600. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of dyes and cotton for continued production.