Art of the Motherland

Our Story and Mission

In 2021, after 19 years in the United Kingdom, I returned to the place of my origin, Ghana. Anticipating the warm embrace of familiarity, my homecoming was instead met with a subtle disquiet, a realization that I, unwittingly, had become estranged from the very essence that once defined me.

Extended from a planned four weeks to an enriching three months, my return became a profound quest to rediscover the threads connecting me to my roots. Through heartfelt conversations with family, strolls down memory-laden paths, and traversing the breadth of the country, I sought to reclaim the intangible bond with the land, its people, and its culture. In the end, what seemed lost within me was restored.

Contemplating my imminent return to the U.K, the fear of losing this revitalized connection compelled me to preserve more than memories. Drawing inspiration from my love for art, I embarked on a mission to encapsulate Ghana’s cultural heritage and the indomitable spirit of its people.

Commissioning five extraordinary artists, I envisioned a collection that transcended personal narratives, weaving a universal tale of African identity. Seven months later, the culmination arrived in five distinct shipments, each piece a testament to Ghana’s cultural legacy.

As pieces of the artworks found their place within my home, an unforeseen transformation occurred. They became catalysts for conversations, bridges connecting visitors to the rich narratives of African life. From the hallway to the living room, the pieces sparked discussions that traversed memories of growing up in Africa and became a beacon of cultural education for others.

In this spirit, Arts of the Motherland was conceived—a tribute to the soul-stirring power of art. Our main objective is to document, preserve and showcase the diverse cultures and heritage of Africa through the lens of contemporary art.

We’ll achieve this objective by:

1. Discovering and nurturing hidden artistic talents on the continent. 
2. Commissioning those artists to create pieces inspired by the heritage and cultures of the continent to form our Art of the Motherland collections. 
3. Introducing those artistic talents to the global arts ecosystem by exhibiting their contributions to the Art of the Motherland collections.

All of this will be done on a biennial basis from a different African country each time.

The biennial collections will transcend mere artworks; they will form profound narratives, capturing the nuances, facets, and timeless elements of African life. Our aim is not just artistic celebration but a commitment to safeguarding the cultural mosaic that defines Africa. We aim to stand as a testament to the belief that art, when harnessed with purpose, becomes a powerful vessel for preserving heritage, rituals, and traditions—immersing the world in the vibrant hues of Africa’s diverse soul.