Ghana's Hand-Painted Movie Ads
Discover the captivating hand-painted movie posters that defined Ghana's vibrant film scene
A visual feast
Ghana's hand-painted movie advertisements represent a distinctive artistic expression. This form of art has garnered global interest over the years. These ads, created on recycled flour sacks, showcase bold colours, exaggerated characters, and imaginative storytelling.
A unique visual language
The posters often combine horror, humour, and local folklore to craft a distinctive visual language that connects with Ghanaian viewers. They stand as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Ghanaian artists, who have repurposed waste materials into artistic masterpieces.
Ghana's mobile film scene
In the 1980s, during Ghana's mobile cinema boom in Accra, cinema operators travelled throughout the city using vibrant, hand-painted movie posters to promote their films and draw in audiences for their film shows.
Rebirth of the industry
In the late 1980s, economic decline cut government funding for filmmaking, while video formats gained popularity. Filmmakers saw a chance to make commercial films with home video equipment. The cinema industry thrived, supported by hand-painted posters.
Painting styles
The film posters retain the detail driven style of the coastal sign-painters. The salon and barbering signages, on the other hand, have been painted with thinly applied strokes which are associated with artists from the middle belt.
The artwork comprises two components: figurative painting and text. Following the tradition of sign-painting workshops, apprenticeship is a formal education method.
A collector's insight & featured artists
These paintings are from Dr. Joseph Oduro-Frimpong's collection, an academic researcher of this art form. The exhibition features works from sign-painting workshops across Ghana, with artists including Alpha and Omega, Awal Shetty, Billy, C.A. Wisely, D.A. Jasper, and Faith Art.
Art beyond borders
Today, these hand-painted movie posters are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. They have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the globe, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ghana and the power of art to transcend boundaries.
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