Abena 2020

Cornelius Annor painted “Abena” using oil on canvas. In this intimate portrait, Annor presents us with a young mother and child, set against a backdrop that is both personal and evocative. The inclusion of family photographs suggests a narrative rooted in history and memory, perhaps reflecting on the passage of time and the continuity of familial bonds. The setting feels domestic, but also carefully arranged, prompting us to consider the constructed nature of identity and representation. Annor, born in Ghana, is part of a generation of artists exploring questions around cultural heritage and contemporary experience. His paintings often engage with themes of home, belonging, and the complexities of social life in Ghana. To fully appreciate this artwork, one might delve into studies of West African portraiture, the history of photography in Ghana, or even broader explorations of postcolonial identity in contemporary African art. What does it mean to represent oneself, one’s family, one’s community, in a world shaped by global flows of images and ideas?