Home Comfort

This self-portrait explores the sense of belonging and heritage. At its centre, I hold a pillow made from kente cloth, a textile deeply rooted in Ghanaian history.

Kente is a traditional Ghanaian textile made of hand-woven silk and cotton. It is an iconic visual representation of the history, ethics and social values of West Africa, exported as one of the key symbols of African heritage and ancestry. In the past, it was worn by kings and people of high status and wealth. It symbolises elegance and has become a symbol of pride in African heritage.

The painted frame creates the illusion that the subject leans out of the picture plane, blurring the boundary between artwork and viewer. This subtle shift invites the viewer to observe the scene as a portrait, yet also as a glimpse into a private, reflective moment.

A restrained palette of around five main colours directs the eye toward the kente at the centre, allowing its vibrancy to lead the composition. The expression and mood carry a sense of contemplation, leaving space for interpretation.