Azaree Art By Maame Fosuah

Explore the captivating world of art with me! 🥰

[azareeart]

Once upon a time, on the 2nd of March, amidst the green & rustic atmosphere of Barndoor beer garden in Osu, Accra, a litty time was had- Plant and Sip with Azaree. This love affair was a fusion of mixology and plant care, a carefully crafted experience.

We started with the Mix and Sip sessions, where participants made their own cocktails under the expert guidance of yours truly. Two delicious cocktails graced the menu: the Sweet Berry Lemonade and the Ginger Lemonade. The Sweet Berry Lemonade is a burst of flavors with sweet and sour notes, muddled fresh mint leaves, apple liqueur, berry gin, and a touch of mixed fruit jam, all topped off with a spritz of sprite. Our favorite thing about this girl is her deceptive sweetness, it's sneakily sweet yet packs a punch!

The latter, an original Azaree fan favorite but now with a local twist, featured homemade ginger syrup, zesty lemon juice, coconut vanilla syrup for a hint of sweetness, and the bold essence of ginger liqueur. What set this drink apart was its alcoholic base - the renowned Ghanaian spirit, Akpeteshie, made from fermented Palm wine adding a distinctive depth to the libation. This combination was to die for, and we absolutely loved hearing all the great reviews!

Transitioning from mixology to horticulture, we switched the conversation to plant care. Fresh cuttings of pothos and monstera were our green friends for the day, teaching us about nurturing new roots and ourselves. Sourced from Ahaban (ahabangh.com), these cuttings require a very simple routine; changing the water weekly until they sprout roots fit for replanting in soil.

Our favorite twist was that this nurturing ethos extends beyond plants into self-care rituals. Each water change becomes a gentle reminder to indulge in personal rejuvenation. Participants opted for diverse self-care practices, from long walks to soothing body scrubs, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with yourself no matter how crazy life gets.

The laughter-filled photos captured the Plant & Sip essence perfectly - great vibes, new skills, and a whole lot of fun. It was so clear that the experience fostered a deeper connection to nature and self-care.

We’re still savoring the amazing event, & we can’t wait to see you all at the next one, ‘See Thru My Ice,’ a nature photography and cocktail tasting experience. It will be an amazing evening celebrating the natural beauty of Ghana & the rich flavors of our Culture on the 30th of March at Buro in Osu. Hope to see you there 🥂

[azareeart]

I took a captivating trip to the Nkyinkyim museum in Ada, just a 2-hour drive from Accra. The tour, priced at 100gh per person, was hosted by a griot, a very enthusiastic storyteller whose energy transformed the tour into an exciting journey.

The tour commenced with artifacts at the entrance, revealing the wonders of Sudano-Sahelian architecture dating back to 2500BC. The structures, crafted from organic materials like red mud, clay, and bamboo, showcased the remarkable skill and eco-friendly ingenuity of our ancestors. The community engagement in the construction process mirrored their deep connection with nature.

Intrigued by the symbolism etched on the walls, I marveled at the adinkra symbols, patterns, and shapes that were not only aesthetically pleasing, but held profound meanings. The journey unraveled the cultural ties across Africa, even discovering that Sudan boasts more ancient pyramids than Egypt.

The griot animatedly shared the wisdom behind the symbols—footprints symbolizing our shared humanity, the spider embodying intelligence, the tortoise exemplifying adaptability, and the snail conveying the concept of leaving a lasting legacy. The ant emerged as a powerful symbol of collaboration and community, echoed by the Nkyinkyim symbol representing resilience inspired by nature.

There was also a structure that was described as a life sized Lukasa memory board which challenged the notion that African traditions were solely oral. It became clear that our history was archived through symbols, writings, and memory boards, providing a unique form of communication despite the challenges faced during colonial times.

The journey progressed to a wall adorned with discs inspired by the Dikenga cross, a core symbol of Bakongo religion of the Kongo people symbolizing the cardinal points of human existence and the cycle of life.

The emotional apex was the veneration site—a symbolic memorial to enslaved ancestors. Sculptures conveyed tales of capture, from shock and determination to hidden identities and interrupted hair appointments. The vivid facial expressions on the sculptures offered a poignant glimpse into their harrowing experiences and the traumatizing ways through which they were captured.

There was a wall featuring diverse writings from across the continent, such as Nsibidi and vèvè, underscoring the richness of African history. The trip left me inspired to delve deeper into our heritage, resonating with the concept of Sankofa: going back to our ancestors' ways to chart a purposeful future.

The final chapter featured paintings showcasing accomplished individuals of African descent, a testament to resilience and exceptional lives emerging from the shadows of history. This transformative experience reinforced the belief that understanding our roots definitely shapes the trajectory of our future endeavors.

[azareeart]

I went to Echoes of Ghana yesterday and I had such a great time that you guys need to hear about it! I promise not to spoil it too much for you. It is an immersive art experience happening now in Labone in the Immerse Ghana building and it’s open to experience until the 6th of January, that’s this Saturday, so you know time is ticking!

First off, it’s an experience designed to engage all of your senses, from the visuals, the subtle scents of candles, the drinks available at the bar, the temperature, all the way to the background music; everything is designed to make you feel! I loved it as soon I got in!

The entire space was made up of different sections offering different experiences. Most of which was virtual reality, so that was quite different and definitely exciting! The first room that stole my heart had some architecture renderings by Clifford Bright-Abu reflecting on mirrors all over the room. I went back there two times, it was that good!

Another favorite space was the fireside room curated by Mary-Jo Adjetey. It was interactive, with a short story that ended with a riddle where you had to physically pick a choice. I really appreciated the fact that it made you pause and think through for an answer. (More of that, please!)

The overall service from the Immerse Ghana team was amazing and even when we were by ourselves in the room we occasionally had assistants check in on us to make sure we were okay. They also gave us the background information on the themes. I was personally impressed by how knowledgeable they were!

Amidst all the beautiful art, what really moved me was how everything came together to create the perfect vibe. The lighting, decor, aromatic scents, cozy temperature and especially the therapeutic background sounds, created a super cozy atmosphere to immerse yourself in all the art. I'd have happily spent hours there if I didn’t have any plans after, but you totally should because all the tickets come with no exit time! It felt like a spa, but for your energy. The ambience was great for conversations, but still gave off major "stop and appreciate" vibes where you could just zen out by yourself.

I'm not saying I did, but the space felt so peaceful and relaxing that if you just wanted to zone out and get some stretches in, it would be the perfect space to do so! 😉

The mini art gallery was also a visual treat, with stunning nature photography, digital art, and gorgeous paintings. Seriously, they nailed it—all the pieces were top-notch. They even had merch, souvenirs & some one of one physical artworks from different artists for sale.

I’ve always felt that how you start the year sets off the tone for how it goes, so personally, starting the year there couldn’t have been a better choice! Oh, and we didn't just breeze through, we actually lounged on those floor mats and seats, fully soaking in the experience.

It's on until the 6th, so there's still five days to catch it! Check their IG or website, snag a ticket, and drag a friend along (or go solo, it won’t matter because you’ll have a good time regardless 😉). Remember, it's called immersive for a reason—don't rush, sink into each space, and just vibe out.

[azareeart]

In Full Bloom: A Zen Pinktober with Azaree was a multisensory art experience to celebrate nature and women’s wellness. Pinktober events are typically centered around fighting breast cancer, but we decided to host an evening highlighting the healing effects of being in nature, stimulating nature photography and the nurturing essence of sisterhood and female friendships, a cherished part of our culture that we very much like to hold dear. After all, we’re lovers not fighters.

As an immersive art experience, Theia Coffee house couldn’t have been a more perfect venue. Nestled in a corner of airport residential area surrounded by lush grape vines, it felt like we had been transported to a healing garden, the source of wellness itself. Framed within the exhibit were captivating photographs showcasing the beauty of yellow, vibrant tickseed flowers, flaming red hibiscus, striking fuchsia dahlias, a cool orange rose, a bright yellow sunflower, and the bold Egyptian star cluster. Arranged within metallic grids adorned with interlaced green vines and fresh yellow roses, the display itself was a masterpiece, setting a perfect backdrop for capturing fabulous photos throughout the entire evening.

The event began with a nostalgic coloring session using crayons and color pencils. We collaborated with our very talented artist, Aba Wallace, and created a vision board inspired art work. It included a variety of goals any modern woman dreams of achieving: physical and emotional wellness, financial success, healthy family bonds, and the virtues of spiritual and mental wellbeing. The ladies dived into coloring these dreams, forging new friendships while subtly imprinting these aspirations. Who knew coloring could be a gateway to both new bonds and goal-reaching power? Well psychology did, and we listened!

Following the coloring, we delved right into a thrilling mix and sip session. Here, the ladies learned the art of crafting their own cocktails; armed with fresh homemade honey, mint, sliced kiwi, zesty lemon, and a medley of juices like watermelon, pineapple, and orange. They created their own delicious, all-natural mocktails! This session was so immersive and the girls loved every bit of being mixologists for the night. Proud of their masterpieces, we were totally delighted to have been a part of such a unique and creative experience.

Finally, we had a cozy and incredibly insightful conversation with some of the ladies, focusing on diverse holistic methods to enhance our health and overall well-being. Kicking off the panel was Ivy Enyonam, an avid plant lover. Our chat centered on the surprising similarities between our lives and plants, highlighting how tending to them can mirror our self-care practices. Indoor plants go beyond mere decoration! They purify our air, enhance our breathing and sleep quality, and even bring a soothing touch to our mental and emotional balance. Our simple advice? Start with a small potted plant and witness the positive impact it can have on your life – it's a gentle step towards a healthier lifestyle!

We had Sharon, a dietitian, and Maame Yaa, a medical doctor and aesthetician, join our panel to dive into discussions about healthy diets and proper skincare. They emphasized the importance of hydration and shared some very practical tips. They suggested drinking around half a liter of water every two hours to maintain good hydration, totaling around 3 liters daily. Sharon also shared a nifty trick to check hydration levels: pinch the skin on your arm, if it bounces back, you're good to go! But if you're regularly sipping your water and minding your business, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about!

We also had an in depth conversation about healthy eating and to summarize, a simple way to envision a healthy plate, would be to think of dividing it into four equal parts: one for grains, another for vegetables, one for protein, and the last for fruits. In terms of skincare, we learned to prioritize good hygiene, avoid harsh oils and skin-lightening products, and always conduct thorough research before trying new products. Understanding the impact of genetics on our skin also helped us ease up on unrealistic expectations and potential damage. Oh, and never forget: sunscreen is your friend!

Finally, we had Ama, our fit and flexible yoga instructor, who enlightened us about the phenomenal mental and physical benefits of regular body movement and stretching. Our bodies thrive when they're in motion, and even simple stretches during our workday can make a remarkable difference in our overall health.

It was an incredible Pinktober event, radiating vibrant feminine energy through the sea of pink hues and flowing silks. Throughout the night, we absorbed a wealth of knowledge, shared laughter, and felt rejuvenated. The focus on holistic living, guided by discussions with the experts left us eager to embrace healthier, cancer-free lifestyles while nurturing our connections and friendships. It was a delight to witness everyone enthusiastically embracing the journey toward wellness and forming stronger, more supportive bonds with one another in this empowering all-women event.

[azareeart]

Well, well, well. Look who's here again! It's your friendly neighborhood art writer. I took a bit longer to finish this article because trying to write about the “Painting with my eyes closed” exhibition by Youssef Raouchi at the Ada Contemporary gallery in Accra turned into a staring contest with a blank page. But I finally won, and you'll see why it was worth the struggle once you're done reading this.

As soon as I learned about the "Painting With My Eyes Closed" exhibition, I made plans with a friend to see it together. The gallery was painted in a stunning shade of blue, and honestly, It was a refreshing departure from the standard white walls of most galleries. The blue color brought an exciting energy to the room and the paintings. It wasn’t too bright or distracting, just enough to keep your senses engaged, it was just right.

The first painting I saw had me feeling a little puzzled. I had already decided to write about this exhibition, so I was looking out for anything I could use as inspiration. I hadn't read anything about the artist or her paintings though, because I felt reading other opinions could taint your perspective. I prefer to draw my own conclusions, you know? But I digress. As I stared at the painting, I thought to myself, "hmm, this is really different." Then, I turned to the left and looked again at the title of the exhibition: "Painting With My Eyes Closed." And suddenly, everything made sense.

Initially, the painting seemed pretty chaotic, with a mix of random subjects that looked like they were drawn by a child with a box of crayons. However, the longer I looked at it, the more it felt nostalgic. This painting was like a time machine, transporting me back to the days when life was all about pretty colors and drawings. It felt like a warm, fuzzy memory from childhood, like something I’d drawn before or seen in a children's book. It's amazing how art can have such an incredible power to take us to another time and place, and this painting did just that. Suddenly, I was seven again, and my only worry in life was my homework. But let's be real, I'm a super serious student and probably already finished it (don't hate, appreciate). It was such a lovely feeling to revisit that time and appreciate the moment once again. Thank you, Youssra, for that little trip down memory lane.

The next set of paintings however, were rather dark and spooky. From headless men to women in contorted positions, they all had a theme of confusion and disorientation. It was hard to understand what the artist was thinking when they created this series. Just when I thought I understood one painting, the next one was completely different. My friend loved those paintings though, and that made me realize that these eerie works did in fact have an intended audience. Even though I didn't fully appreciate that style, it was fascinating to see how subjective art can be.

The painting that stole my heart had a vibrant red background, which brought balance and order to the chaos. As a nature lover, I was immediately drawn to a smaller image in the painting that looked like a photograph of a serene blue sky and lush greenery by a perfect little pond. It was like a little oasis on the wall, and I was ready to pitch a tent and move in. The painting was definitely neater than the others, with straight edges and clean finish lines. I stared at it for an inordinate amount of time, but when you find something that speaks to your soul, you just have to bask in its glory, right?

As I was admiring the clean and calm painting, I couldn't help but think that the artist deliberately made the others messy. It's like she's saying, "I could be perfect, but where's the fun in that?" I feel like that’s what makes art so special. It's a space where you can be as wild, unconventional, or messy as you want to be, and still find people who resonate to it. It's like a free pass to be as crazy as you want, without having to explain yourself to anyone. Life should be more like art, don't you think? We should all be free to express ourselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. Whether you're into bright red paintings or eerie contorted figures, there's always someone out there who shares your passion.

So, after struggling to come up with something for my article on this particular show, I ran into Youssra Raouchi, the artist, at another exhibition. She told me that the Ada Gallery website had an article up about her style of work and the series that I had seen earlier. I immediately checked it out because, let's be real, I was in desperate need of some serious help. The write up mentioned that her style was based on a philosophy called rhizome. I had no idea what that meant, so I did some digging. Turns out Rhizome is a philosophy created by French theorists Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. It's a way of thinking about things that involves a network of different ideas that can grow in different directions, rather than following a straight line.

Everything suddenly clicked! The paintings weren't related to each other in any way and seemed incoherent because they were meant to be that way. That's why I was having such a hard time coming up with a common concept to describe the different types of paintings that were on display. Youssra, you totally over delivered on the assignment! The intense chaos in some of the paintings and the rather aesthetic and calming vibe the other ones exuded showed how freely flowing and non-conforming this particular body of work is. I found it really inspiring, because life is indeed very much like that. It's a mixture of varying feelings at any given point in time, and the artist being able to evoke those reactions & take us on that journey of sensations is truly impressive.

I absolutely loved the whole experience and the wild ride of emotions it took me through. If you’re trying to find some colorful adventure in your life, then you have until the 6th of August, to see the painting with my eyes closed exhibition at the ADA gallery in the villagio apartments building. I’d really love to hear what you think about it. You can find me on Instagram on @azareeart, where I post updates on current and upcoming exhibitions, photos from the shows & every artsy thing in between!

[azareeart]

The Tolerance Poster Show was an incredible exhibition curated by Jean Quarcoopome at the Diaspora Fine Arts gallery in Accra from the 9th to the 25th of June, 2023. It featured posters from artists all over the world, each with their own unique take on what tolerance means to them. The posters varied in style, with some artists using creative fonts to express their ideas, while others used metaphorical images to represent tolerance. The exhibition was a great opportunity to see how different people from different cultures and backgrounds approach the same subject in their own unique ways.

Some posters had a very literal interpretation of the theme, others were more abstract, some were very colorful and playful, while others were more serious and thought-provoking. It was fascinating to see how different artists approached the same subject in such different ways.

The different approaches made it clear that everyone had a unique perspective on the theme. It was interesting to see how differently artists approached the same subject, but it was also clear that we all have more in common than we think. While some posters were more memorable than others, it was easy to see how they all reflected the theme. There were a few light bulb moments here and there, and it was also interesting to see how some posters were similar in terms of concept, although the execution seemed different.

It was fascinating to see a poster by an artist from China who used an old and a young hand to symbolize tolerance. It's a subtle representation, but it's a fine example of how different people can learn from each other, regardless of age.

I also found another poster that used humor to address social issues particularly compelling. It cleverly connected the #MeToo movement with the need for tolerance towards former President Trump. The poster's pun was so perfectly placed that it made me smile a little.

I found it intriguing how several artists approached the theme of tolerance by using race as a context. By incorporating black and white boxing gloves, black and white knives, and black and white cats, they were able to creatively depict tolerance between races. It's interesting to note that throughout history, people of different races have been intolerant of each other, making the artists' contributions to the theme particularly poignant.

It's clear that the artists' unanimous decision to explore the theme of tolerance through race, despite their different backgrounds, underscores the need for tolerance among people of different races. The exhibition's artworks demonstrate the importance of understanding and respecting each other's differences, and the power of art to promote empathy and encourage positive change.

Finally, I noticed several artworks that depicted tolerance through the use of rainbow colors and images related to the LGBTQ+ movement, which I found interesting. There were about three artworks from Israel that explored this angle, prompting me to wonder about Israel's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. I was surprised to learn that Israel's LGBTQ+ rights are considered the most developed in the Middle East. Thank you poster show, because I don’t think I would’ve ever come across that piece of information in my life!

Long story long, the Tolerance Poster Show was a fantastic exhibition that showcased the incredible talent of artists from all over the world. It was a great opportunity to see how different people from different cultures and backgrounds approach the same subject in their own unique ways. I would highly recommend that type of exhibition to anyone who is interested in art, culture, or social issues.