The Calabash Sellers, 2016
Watercolor on paper
8 3/8 x 5 7/8 in.
21.3 x 14.9 cm
Many of Frank Dwuye’s works are concerned with celebrating the movements of Liberian women. The Calabash Sellers images a common scene amongst Dwuye’s drawings and paintings—women toting calabashes on their heads. While many of the artist’s works are in black and white, here, Dwuye blends and stretches color to add vibrancy to the painting. Dwuye brings movement to life through strokes that determine where his figures have come from and where they are going. He images how the swing of their arms and hips—which enables their heads to remain steady and forward facing—contributes livelihood to their environments. His attention to detail and signature motif of linework adapted from the Adinkra symbols of the Akan people add intricacy to each of his works.