All images Courtesy of the artist and Mariane Ibrahim
Opoku’s explorations have been mostly through the lens of her camera; Her photography is expressed through screen-printing and alternative photo processing on varieties of natural fabrics. She repeatedly integrates family heirlooms and her own self-image into her visual observations of Ghana’s cultural memory. Her practice centers around textiles and traditional Ghanaian dress codes, which have been an inherent part of the country’s identity and industry throughout West Africa’s complex history.
'I HAVE OPENED THE DOORS OF TRUTH. I HAVE PASSED THE WATERS OF HEAVEN. I HAVE RAISED UP A LADDER TO HEAVEN AMONG THE GODS. I AM ONE WHO IS WITH YOU.' [EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 149-150: CONCLUSION OF THE PAPYRUS/ AN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD/ THE PAPY, 2023
Screenprint on dyed Vintage linen, screenprint applications, embroidery, hand stitched
104 3/4 x 122 7/8 in 266 x 312 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter III
‘MAAT IS IN MY BELLY WITH THE TURQUOISE (AND) FAIENCE OF ITS MONTHLY FESTIVAL. THIS FIELD OF MINE IS LAPIS LAZULI IN HIS FESTIVAL. I AM THE NUN WHO MAKES THE DARKNESS SHINE BRIGHT. I HAVE MADE THE AKHMY-DEMONS FALL. THOSE WHO WERE IN THE DARKNESS WORSHIP , 2021
Indigo dyed linen, screenprint, hand stitched 62 5/8 x 66 7/8 in 159 x 170 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter IV
‘MAAT IS IN MY BELLY WITH THE TURQUOISE (AND) FAIENCE OF ITS MONTHLY FESTIVAL. THIS FIELD OF MINE IS LAPIS LAZULI IN HIS FESTIVAL. I AM THE NUN WHO MAKES THE DARKNESS SHINE BRIGHT. I HAVE MADE THE AKHMY-DEMONS FALL. THOSE WHO WERE IN THE DARKNESS WORSHIP , 2021
Indigo dyed linen, screenprint, hand stitched 62 5/8 x 66 7/8 in 159 x 170 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter IV
'O LORD OF OFFERING, GREAT POWERFUL ONE, SEE, I BRING TO YOU A PROPITIATION OFFERING (SO THAT) YOU MAY LIVE ON IT. BE KIND TO ME. DRIVE AWAY ALL THE ANGER WHICH IS IN YOUR HEART AGAINST [ME].' [EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 14: THE THEME OF DRIVING AWAY ANGER FROM, 2023
Screenprint on linen, brass tears applications
32 5/8 x 50 5/8 in 83 x 128.5 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter III
'O LORD OF OFFERING, GREAT POWERFUL ONE, SEE, I BRING TO YOU A PROPITIATION OFFERING (SO THAT) YOU MAY LIVE ON IT. BE KIND TO ME. DRIVE AWAY ALL THE ANGER WHICH IS IN YOUR HEART AGAINST [ME].' [EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 14: THE THEME OF DRIVING AWAY ANGER FROM, 2023
Screenprint on linen, brass tears applications
32 5/8 x 50 5/8 in 83 x 128.5 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter III
‘I AM THE ONE WHO SHINES, THE ONE WHO IS ABOVE THE DISTRICT OF THE SKY. I GO FORTH TO THE SKY. I CLIMB UPON THE SUN’S RAYS. O, I AM WEARY, I AM WEARY, (YET) I PROCEED.' [EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 74 : SPELL FOR GOING FORTH FROM THE EARTH/ AN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN B, 2023
Screenprint on indigo dyed linen, screenprint applications, embroidery, hand stitched
97 1/4 x 124 in 247 x 315 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter III
'I AM THE TERROR IN THE STORM WHO GUARDS THE GREAT ONE [IN] THE CONFLICT. SHARP KNIFE STRIKES FOR ME. ASH GOD PROVIDES COOLNESS FOR ME.'[EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 95: SPELL OF OF BEING AT THE SIDE OF THOTH/ AN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD/ THE PAPYRUS OF , 2023
Screenprint on vintage mixed cotton and linen, screenprint applications, embroidery, hand stitched
95 5/8 x 59 7/8 in 243 x 152 cm
Series: The Myths of Eternal Life, Chapter III
