"The key is in the name is the inspiration behind the sculpture. When we think about presence that isn't physical, I think that our names - whether they are part of a family, or something else, gives us the chance to seize many opportunities and create a presence for a person, a family, or a community that a physical form cannot."
In this instance, we are presented with a carved wooden gold leaf finial, a sculptural form that would traditionally be found adorning the apex of a traditional Ghanaian Royal umbrella, a symbol of authority whilst showcasing the profound beauty and power of black culture. The clenched fist and key can be seen as a symbol of strength united not only through a shared past but also a future destiny, one that evokes and reflects the glorious royal chieftaincy ceremonial processions.
Rita Mawuena Benissan (b. 1995, Ghanaian-American) is an interdisciplinary artist and a founder of Si Hene, a foundation that focuses on preserving Ghana's chieftaincy and traditional culture through the exploration of Ghana's Royal history. Her work explores the identities of Africans and African Americans, a new generation of African, tracing, reclaiming, and re-interpreting their rich cultural heritage.
Rita Mawuena Benissan: The Key is in the Name!, 2023
Mmuae no wo din no mu!
2023
