| Wide Open |
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Children exhibit their skills at the National Museum Indeed, in the past few years, a number of programmes have been designed on Radio and Television while the print media have come out with projects for children to share their thoughts and feelings but never ]before have Ghanaian kids got the opportunity to express their views through their artistic impulses on such a large scale.
 Artwork1 Titled "Wide Open" children who participated in the project were drawn from the Morning Star School, St. Pauls Lutheran School, St. Kizito Primary School, Anunmle JSS, Christ The King International School and University Primary School, all in Accra. Others are Zion Primary School (Ashaiman), Adeiso Primary School (Adeiso), Mmofra Foundation and inmates of the Children's Unit, Accra Psychiatric Hospital. Images on display comprise real and somewhat imaginative representations of the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Ghanaian children while revealing some kind of contact with other cultures or cultural models. Scanning through the works, one cannot help be overwhelmed by the dramatic use of colours. Their choice of colours are considerably refined and oftentimes appear natural. Despite being unusual, the exhibits provide messages that are so intense and awash with a myriad of interpretations which tend to grab and sustain the attention of the viewer. These include scenes from Christian/Muslim worship centres, Ghanaian royals, mansions and huts alike, child labour, lavishly furnished bedrooms, swimming pools, lush gardens, hawkers, parents, footballers, games, public taps and many more. The images also reveal a subtle blending of traditional and modern life styles - a situation which is prevalent in most African cities and towns where they co-exist in perfect harmony. However, there were only two (probably three) drawings that depict libraries or the act of reading. It is a sure indication of the fact that reading habits of Ghanaian children are on the low side. It further reveals that reading of story books, newspapers and magazines are totally out of the day-to-day activities of Ghanaian children - a sad situation which must be reversed through the provision of more libraries including mobile ones that can serve deprived communities. The artworks, which were produced as part of activities marking the European Union Day for 2004 will also be sent to Italy where it will be added to the permanent collection of Children's Art in the IPPO-GRIFO AZZURO children's archive.
By John Owoo |
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