Atelier Ananse

I often explore subject matter that frames the things we find unsettling in ways that evoke a sense of calm, affinity for nature, wanderlust, whimsy, and nostalgia. I also enjoy exploring these themes in a Sub-Saharan African context and the context of my everyday life as a St. Louis resident. Topics like witchcraft, death, perceived ugliness, and some animal species are often classed as objectively disturbing. However, in ancient times and many non-western cultures, these subjects are revered or neutral. As someone originally from Ghana with Akyem and Asante heritage (anglicized as Ashanti), learning that ancient philosophies hailed the architect of the universe as Ananse Kokroko or the “Stupendous Spider” sparked a desire in me to challenge my own fears and paint them in a softer light. The word “spider” often evokes mental images of cobwebs, halloween decorations, and fearsome, scuttling fiends. However, spiders regulate our ecosystems. Their webs are often works of art that catch dew-drops and glisten in the sunlight. 19th century records reveal royal staffs and amulets crafted by the Asante in the spider’s honor. I hope that the work I produce will help viewers think of the glistening web full of dew-drops or the golden staff when they see a spider next, or the beautiful cycle of returning to the earth the next time they see a skull. If not that, I hope it will foster the desire to see fantasy in the mundane.