Frotastic:Futuristic Fantastic Africa

Africa is known for its bold, unapologetic use of colour. Stories are told in pigments, tones and hues; a kaleidoscope as diverse as the cultures and peoples of the continent. For the initiative Colours of Africa, a collaborative project with Google Arts & Culture, we asked 60 African creatives to capture the unique spirit of their country in a colour which represents home to them.
The projects they have created are personal and distinct stories of Africa, put into images, videos, texts and illustrations. Each artist has also attempted to articulate what being African means to their identity and view of the world.

Colour: Frotastic Blue
Country: Guinea Bissau

Artwork Rationale:

If you look into colour theory, blue often represents the future. Green means hope; blue means future. Africa is an undeniably futuristic continent, it’s where the fate of the world lies. There will be a time, and it will be soon, when Africa is seen as the centre of the world. And so I see it as blue like the sea, full of infinite beauty and greatness. Africans in the diaspora will come home and do great things in their own nations.

I didn’t grow up in Guinea Bissau, but I feel it is my home. There are still things we need to fight for and change, and some of this won’t happen quickly. But I believe we’ll see major transformation over the next decade in Africa.

When I am in Guinea Bissau, my soul feels at peace. I exist in that sky blue peace, the people are welcoming and my worries slip away. In Europe, people are always in a rush, but where are they getting? In Africa, they’re building a future together.

When I think of home, I think of blue like the sky and its infinite beauty; blue like the sea and its depths; blue like the future and its wealth of opportunities.

I have a project called the Blackfrodolls, which aims at representing black bodies and black skin in the cosmetics we use as adults and that we give to children. I call my shade of blue “Frotastic”, to link it to the goals of the Blackfrodolls and Blackfrokids.

What it means to be African

Being African is a privilege!
Being African means eating on the same plate in the sense of sharing and caring for each other.
Being African is being part of a continent rich in culture, gastronomy, diversity and rhythms.
Being African is having a direct connection with mother nature, is getting the strength and courage to face any challenges.
Being African is not about your skin colour, since the continent is full of diversity.
Being African doesn't mean you were born in Africa but it means that you are always connected with your African ancestors and community.
Being African is holding your kid on your back to feel warm and protected.
Being African is carrying a bucket in your head with some essentials to sell everyday.
Being African is being unique and authentic!

Biography:

Stella Pucurutcha is the founder of the Blackfrodolls and Blackforkids, a range of children’s cosmetics and skin-care products that are available worldwide and cater to the specific needs of black skin and hair. The products, which are also available for adults, are all certified vegan and are cruelty free.

Pucurutcha also founded the platform Nobalur in Guinea Bissau to promote positive narratives about the country and the African continent. Although always very drawn to her people and culture, she only went to Guinea Bissau for the first time at age 22. The food, culture and music of Guinea Bissau were very present in her childhood, her mother particularly made their heritage a part of their home. Pucurutcha has made it her mission to share her love for her nation in her creative endeavours.