Behind Our Masks by Oscar Mawuli
How much of ourselves do we truly show to people? How much of that outward mask reflects who we are and where we come from, or the culture and values we hold dear? How much is that mask protecting us? How much are we hiding behind them, willingly or grudgingly?
Ghanaian artist, Oscar Korbla Mawuli Awuku, a.k.a. Mawuli, explores these questions through his art by painting elaborate black and white tribal masks on each of his characters. Whether they are sitting in solitude as their portraits are captured, or conversing earnestly with friends, or going about their daily activities in a busy market, it doesn’t matter - their masks are firmly in place.
See some of our favorite acrylic paintings by the African artist.
