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Oscar Awuku’s body painting woos the world
Body painting is a form of art where attractive and intriguing illustrations are displayed on the human skin. Considered one of the oldest forms of art, it can be described as a temporary tattoo which serves different purposes at different times.
It is often seen at special occasions such as festivals and may be used to either express an idea or champion a course. According to oral tradition, it had been used by warriors as ‘camouflage’ in war or to incite fear in enemies.
Although it may not be as common lately, a young Ghanaian talent, Oscar Kobla Mawuli Awuku of Yonga Arts, is taking it a notch higher with his sensual and colourful works across social media platforms.
His creativity has earned him over 100,000 followers on YouTube and many others on Facebook and Instagram. The Spectator recently interacted with this painter and he explained aspects of his craft as well as the inspiration behind his works.
Background
Describing himself as a versatile artist, Mawuli does digital painting, sculpture, canvas painting in addition to his vibrant body paintings.
Currently a final year student of Takoradi Technical University, he studied Visual Arts at Mawuli School in the Volta Region from 2014 to 2017.
His painting started after high school when he was invited by a friend to help in the decoration of video vixens in a music video project in Accra.
“I had no idea about body painting at the time but after the project, I realised it was something I could pick up. Back in high school I used to draw patterns in my books and on tables so I followed that inspiration to start painting the human body,” he recalled.
The past five years, according to him, has been “a learning process” even as he continues to improve the craft and make it more appealing on local and international fronts.
Concept
The paintings he calls ‘Anansinism’, are used to communicate ideologies such as women empowerment and black identity, among others.
“I take inspiration from the weaving process of the proverbial spider, Kweku Ananse, and combine it with traditional Adinkra symbols to make the patterns I draw on the human body,” he said.
Mawuli said that he used to complete a full body painting in an hour or two but has now learnt to speed up and reduce the finishing time to about 20 minutes.
Although he earns some good money sometimes, he considers painting a hobby than a commercial venture, and looks forward to collaborating with bigger art galleries both home and abroad in future.
He said models which include males and females volunteered to take up his body paintings but he did reach out to some of them personally based on the concept he wanted to project.
Touching on possible side effects, he said he was not aware of any adverse effects of body painting, adding that the longevity of a body art was determined by “how soon an individual decided to wash it off the skin.”
Nudity
Commenting on the somewhat controversial aspect of his paintings where models pose almost naked for their bodies to be painted, he explained that not all models preferred to strip naked and that those he painted naked did not arouse or stimulate any negative thoughts in his mind.
The eloquent artist said his family appreciated his work and encouraged him to pursue his vision to the hilt.
Challenges
Mawuli, however, identifies “social acceptance” of body painting as a challenge but says he accepts criticisms as well as commendations that follow some of his works.
He noted some people doubted that his works originated from Ghana while others criticised the nude aspect of his works but he continues to do what he loves doing best.
“Every painting carries its own message and I try to improve on my work everyday. I collaborate with a lot of people on this job and I believe body painting and art in general would be a long term endeavour.
“The limitations have to do with gadgets and other equipment, if I get the needed support I believe I can take my work a step further,” he said.
The 22-year-old maintains that “the art industry is broad”, therefore, people should expand their scope about art and find things they could do to attract more people.
He again advises young people to develop themselves in any form of art they are attracted to but should not feel intimidated in doing what they love.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
