Kukueley Maclean
Ga Samai
'The piece encapsulates the unity of the Ga Samai (symbols). Each symbol has its own individual meaning, communicating proverbs of African life lessons. This piece inspired me to merge my love of two cultures, Ghanaian and British, which make up my heritage.
Ghana was previously under British colony rule before its independence in 1957. The colour palate represents the British national colours in unity with the Ga Samai.'
Kukueley is a London-based graphic artist specialising in contemporary African art inspired by the Ga language, infused within influences from the western world. Sharing a mixed Ghanaian and Jamaican family heritage and raised in London, Kukueley’s love of African culture blossomed after multiple trips to Accra, Ghana where she became totally immersed in the vibrancy of the city.
The Ga language is the mother tongue of the Ga people who originate from the Ga-Dangme tribe all of whom reside in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. As the population of Ghana continues to grow within the African continent and internationally, the Ga language is facing extinction as our elders pass on and the current and future generation become global citizens.
Okaikoi (pronounced as O-ka-kway): the colourful language
Kukueley’s company Okaikoi was birthed from a desire to create a legacy of the Ga language (written) and the expressions of the Ga Samai symbols. The company’s name pays homage to her Grandmother who has lovingly taught her the traditions of the Ga culture. Kukueley’s aim is to continue the preservation of our culture through contemporary design by providing African representation through artwork.
