
Rita Mawuena Benissan Cote D'Ivoire, b. 1995
59 x 59 in
This artwork is based on a photograph was taken in the 1970s, portraying Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku II, Alex Okoampa Fredua Agyeman, the Okyenhene of Akyem Abuakwa located in the eastern region of Ghana. His name is uniquely crafted to combine the sound of the talking drums with a simile, translating to "The Fearless One" in a single word.
A youthful entourage are depicted sitting under an umbrella, with a figure in the bottom left corner of the artwork directing a soft yet piercing gaze to the audience while the remaining figures faces and expressions blend into the intricate embroidery of the tapestry in contrasting golden earth and grey tones.