Kobina Bucknor was a pioneer in modern Ghanaian art. He dubbed his style “Sculptural Idiom.” It can be described as African carving in a two dimensional format with color. This particular work of art was a gift to a departing American government official. It shows how successful Bucknor was in government circles, as a representative of the new country of Ghana.
Description:
Painting, acrylic on Masonite, overlapping mask-like faces and circles. Black, grey, red ocher and white palette.
Provenance:
Christine Hadsel, 2010 to 2013.
Ambassador Fred Latimer Hadsel and Winifred Nelson Hadsel, 1974 to 2010.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
