Independent: • adjective 1 free from outside control or influence. 2 (of a country) self-governing. 3 not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence. 4 not connected with another; separate. 5 (of broadcasting, a school, etc.) not supported by public funds.
Dependent: • adjective 1 (dependent on) contingent on or determined by. 2 relying on someone or something for financial or other support. 3 (dependent on) unable to do without. (Oxford English Dictionary)
In line with its goal to record, preserve, and promote Ghanaian culture and heritage, the Nubuke Foundation is putting together this exhibition titled Ghana: Independence/ In Dependence. The exhibition is the product of a series of discussions with artists and members of the public about their thoughts and views on the subject of Ghana’s independence. Thirteen artists have produced sculptures, paintings, and installations that represent their views on the exhibition theme. From the public arena, we have video shorts of interviews and clippings of newspaper articles collected between March 2006 and March 2007. Through this mix of artistic production and public dialogue, this exhibition encourages Ghanaians to critically reflect on their role in Ghana’s past, present, and future.
Why are we focusing on art? Art is an intricate, multi-faceted language in any society. To transpose Esi Sutherland-Addy’s observation of rich Ghanaian cultural maxims to Ghanaian art: by “being enigmatic, [art] lends itself to a variety of interpretations and thus allows one to explore different facets of its meaning within a number of likely contexts.” Therefore, by having a discussion on the subject of independence through art, we see the complex dynamics of the issue.
We must end with the prescient words of our great artistic polymath, Saka Acquaye, who passed recently:
“We do not take our own art and culture seriously—that is why Ghanaian and African artists are not encouraged by our own people. We must place our art and culture in a more modern perspective. People must be made aware of these values—because it is from them that we can rediscover ourselves and draw the inspiration to face our national responsibilities.”