Hot!
Oscar Awuku’s body painting woos the world
Body painting is a form of art where attractive and intriguing illustrations are displayed on the human skin. Considered one of the oldest forms of art, it can be described as a temporary tattoo which serves different purposes at different times.
It is often seen at special occasions such as festivals and may be used to either express an idea or champion a course. According to oral tradition, it had been used by warriors as ‘camouflage’ in war or to incite fear in enemies.
Although it may not be as common lately, a young Ghanaian talent, Oscar Kobla Mawuli Awuku of Yonga Arts, is taking it a notch higher with his sensual and colourful works across social media platforms.
His creativity has earned him over 100,000 followers on YouTube and many others on Facebook and Instagram. The Spectator recently interacted with this painter and he explained aspects of his craft as well as the inspiration behind his works.
Background
Describing himself as a versatile artist, Mawuli does digital painting, sculpture, canvas painting in addition to his vibrant body paintings.
Currently a final year student of Takoradi Technical University, he studied Visual Arts at Mawuli School in the Volta Region from 2014 to 2017.
His painting started after high school when he was invited by a friend to help in the decoration of video vixens in a music video project in Accra.
“I had no idea about body painting at the time but after the project, I realised it was something I could pick up. Back in high school I used to draw patterns in my books and on tables so I followed that inspiration to start painting the human body,” he recalled.
The past five years, according to him, has been “a learning process” even as he continues to improve the craft and make it more appealing on local and international fronts.
Concept
The paintings he calls ‘Anansinism’, are used to communicate ideologies such as women empowerment and black identity, among others.
“I take inspiration from the weaving process of the proverbial spider, Kweku Ananse, and combine it with traditional Adinkra symbols to make the patterns I draw on the human body,” he said.
Mawuli said that he used to complete a full body painting in an hour or two but has now learnt to speed up and reduce the finishing time to about 20 minutes.
Although he earns some good money sometimes, he considers painting a hobby than a commercial venture, and looks forward to collaborating with bigger art galleries both home and abroad in future.
He said models which include males and females volunteered to take up his body paintings but he did reach out to some of them personally based on the concept he wanted to project.
Touching on possible side effects, he said he was not aware of any adverse effects of body painting, adding that the longevity of a body art was determined by “how soon an individual decided to wash it off the skin.”
Nudity
Commenting on the somewhat controversial aspect of his paintings where models pose almost naked for their bodies to be painted, he explained that not all models preferred to strip naked and that those he painted naked did not arouse or stimulate any negative thoughts in his mind.
The eloquent artist said his family appreciated his work and encouraged him to pursue his vision to the hilt.
Challenges
Mawuli, however, identifies “social acceptance” of body painting as a challenge but says he accepts criticisms as well as commendations that follow some of his works.
He noted some people doubted that his works originated from Ghana while others criticised the nude aspect of his works but he continues to do what he loves doing best.
“Every painting carries its own message and I try to improve on my work everyday. I collaborate with a lot of people on this job and I believe body painting and art in general would be a long term endeavour.
“The limitations have to do with gadgets and other equipment, if I get the needed support I believe I can take my work a step further,” he said.
The 22-year-old maintains that “the art industry is broad”, therefore, people should expand their scope about art and find things they could do to attract more people.
He again advises young people to develop themselves in any form of art they are attracted to but should not feel intimidated in doing what they love.
By Ernest Nutsugah
Hot!
Ghana to locally refine its gold starting October 2025 – Sammy Gyamfi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that plans are far advanced for the establishment of a state-owned gold refinery in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention, Mr Gyamfi said the refinery will process locally mined gold into bullion instead of exporting it in its raw state.
According to him, it is unacceptable that Ghana, despite being a leading gold producer in Africa, continues to export raw gold known as dore.
He explained that the Gold Board, working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, will from October 2025 begin refining gold locally.
He also disclosed that an ultramodern assay laboratory will be built to ensure international standards in testing gold quality.
Mr Gyamfi noted that the refinery will be wholly state-owned and will help Ghana move away from raw mineral exports to value addition.
This, he said, will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and position Ghana as a hub for gold refining and jewellery production in Africa.
The CEO stressed that the project forms part of government’s strategy to ensure the country benefits fully from its natural resources and to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
There is strength in diversity; let’s live in peace – Zanetor Rawlings urges Ghanaians
Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to value the peace the country enjoys and to see diversity as a source of strength.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change”, she warned against being lured into conflicts and divisions fueled by reckless statements from politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, or academics.
According to her, many young people have no idea what it means to live in a country torn apart by war, and therefore must not take Ghana’s peace for granted.
She stressed that the harmony among different ethnic and regional groups should be protected at all costs, since it is peace that allows citizens to gather freely and safely.
Dr. Zanetor said Ghana’s development depends on embracing diversity and working together.
She urged the youth to tap into this strength so that Ghana would continue to shine as the “Black Star” of Africa and serve as an example for other nations.
She expressed appreciation to the participants for attending the conference and asked for God’s blessings on the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
