Di Asa 2021

Cornelius Annor created this painting, Di Asa, with oil on canvas. The title, meaning "big woman" in Twi, introduces ideas about body positivity in Ghanaian culture and hints at how such notions intersect with social life. Made by an artist from Ghana, this image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The vivid, patterned fabrics, rendered with careful detail, connect the work to West African textile traditions that are a potent form of cultural expression. While inspired by everyday life, this painting transcends mere representation. The artist invites viewers to think critically about social gatherings in contemporary Ghana. How do clothes and body language play into social dynamics? Is this a conservative or progressive image? As an art historian, to understand Annor's work better, I would research the rise of body positivity movements in Ghana. We must consider how the social and institutional context shaped the artwork.