Monday, November 23, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Yet another "Gye Nyame"....by Manisha Vedpathak
Yet another painting of Gye Nyame, the Adinkra symbol.
I have never mentioned in my earlier posts about the hostory of
these symbols apart from their origin. Here is the history of these symbols:
The Adinkra symbols were originated in Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire
and Akan tribe of Ghana. According to an Asante (a tribe in Ghana)
legend, Adinkra was the name of a king of the Gyaman.
Adinkra was defeated and captured in a battle by the Asantes
for having copied the “Golden Stool” (the symbol of the Asante nation).
and Akan tribe of Ghana. According to an Asante (a tribe in Ghana)
legend, Adinkra was the name of a king of the Gyaman.
Adinkra was defeated and captured in a battle by the Asantes
for having copied the “Golden Stool” (the symbol of the Asante nation).
He was finally killed and his territory annexed to the kingdom of
Asante. His adinkra robe was taken as a trophy( a patterned
cloth, which was
interpreted as a way of expressing his sorrow
on being taken to the capital of
Asante).The Asante people
around the 19th century then took to painting of
traditional
symbols of the Gyamans onto cloth.
Adinkra
means goodbye. Originally, the cloth was worn only by the
royalty and spiritual
leaders for mourning during funeral services.
It can now be worn by anyone for
any occasion. The symbols and their
meanings are still used to convey a
message. Approximately four hundred
such symbols are known in Ghana.
Available
To purchase or for more information regarding any of my paintings,contact me : manishavedpathak@gmail.com
To purchase or for more information regarding any of my paintings,contact me : manishavedpathak@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
"Rhythm"....an acrylic painting by Manisha Vedpathak
Finally my countdown has started. I am ready
to touch another milestone. My first solo exhibition
in India will be starting from Oct 24 till Nov 1,2015.
I was pretty busy with all the preparations. Invitation
cards, flyers, catalog will be printed by tomorrow.
I am exhibiting all the paintings on African theme,
which will be a sort retrospective of all the paintings
done in Ghana. There are a few paintings that I haven't
posted. Below is one of them. Similar subject as in
"Tribal dance" ,which got sold in Czech Republic solo
exhibition.
"Rhythm"
Acrylic on canvas, 29.9"x 29.9"
Dance is a highly predominant aspect of Ghanaian culture.
Traditionally, most ethnic groups in Ghana have their own
dance styles unique to their culture. All these dance forms
involve mainly movements of hands and either an exaggerated
or slight shuffle of the feet. Traditional dances are usually
clad in the traditional cloth. Dance being a major part of Ghanaian
social life, almost all events involve some form of dancing.
Through music and dance they re-affirm their cultural beliefs and
tribal identity.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
"Mediators"...Acrylic painting by Manisha Vedpathak
African masks are considered amongst the finest creations in the
art world and are highly sought after by art collectors. There is a
huge variety of mask types found in Africa which makes classifying
them a difficult task. Face masks are the most common mask type.
They are used throughout Africa. The artists who create mask
are given a special status. They use various materials, included are
leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood.
One of the main characteristics of culture of African peoples
is use of masks in rituals and ceremonies. These masks often
represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the
ancestors possesses the wearer. Some masks are used as Icons
of power to ward off evil spirits and some are used to celebrate
and thank the ancestors during crop harvesting. Though
over the last few decades there has been a sharp decline in masking rituals.
"Mediators"
Acrylic on canvas, 29.9"x29.9"
Available, If interested contact
In my painting ,I have juxtaposed these mask drawings in a complex
composition and warm color tones which depicts the warmness
of the African continent. Since many African societies see masks
as mediators between the living world and the supernatural world
of the dead, or their ancestors, I have titled the painting "Mediators".
You will notice the lines on the faces in the painting. These are
the tribal marks and are passed down from family to family. These
are used mainly to differentiate the ethnic groups. Along with the
ethnic identification these are also associated with the spiritual
or religious practices.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Work in process....by Manisha Vedpatrhak
A new painting in process. Hoping to finish it in a day or two.
Have been busy with a few activities. I have justr started teaching
art to the autistic kids in an Autism center.
Will soon post some photos of the work done by these autistic kids .
Also getting ready for my first exhibition in India somewhere at the end of October.
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