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Awofadeju Solomon
Colonialism (Couple of Wonders) 4 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Art Deco

2026

About the Item

Ama, a Ghanaian woman born in 1940 near Kumasi during British colonial rule over the Gold Coast, grows up witnessing the exploitation of cocoa farms, missionary influence, and growing resistance that leads to Ghana's independence in 1957. Frustrated, (blindfolded) cause she decided to not listen and learn from the westerners even when education was made available to slaves and non slaves. Economic hardship in post-independence Ghana—famine, inflation, and political instability—forces the family to migrate to Nigeria in 1975 during its oil boom. In Lagos, Ama works as a market trader selling produce. Tensions rise as Nigeria's economy falters in the early 1980s after the oil price crash, leading to high unemployment. In January 1983, President Shehu Shagari issues an executive order expelling undocumented migrants, targeting over two million West Africans (about one million Ghanaians) with a two-week deadline to leave or face arrest. This echoes Ghana's own 1969 expulsion of Nigerians, fueling old grudges. Chaos erupts: neighbors turn hostile, chanting "Ghana Must Go." Ama packs her belongings into cheap checkered plastic bags (later famously named "Ghana Must Go" bags) and joins the desperate exodus toward the border. The journey is brutal-crowds surge under the sun, police use force, Ama is devastated but must press on. Ama returns to a famine-stricken Ghana, settling in Accra's slums. Overwhelmed by grief and loss, she falls ill and dies five years later. The story weaves colonial legacies of division with post-independence betrayals between neighboring nations, illustrating how economic crises and political scapegoating fracture families and regional brotherhood-yet hint at eventual healing through ECOWAS cooperation and shared lessons from the scars. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Awofadeju Solomon is a talented Nigerian visual artist renowned for his evocative figurative paintings that delve deep into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Born and raised in Oluyole, Ibadan, Osun State, Solomon's artistic journey began in earnest in 2020 when he decided to share his unique perspective through professional art. His works are characterized by vibrant colours and intricate details, each piece telling a story that resonates with love, affection, and the trials faced on the path to success. Solomon's art serves as a mirror reflecting both personal and collective experiences, aiming to evoke feelings of nostalgia and empathy. Through his brushstrokes, he aspires to bridge the gaps in familial relationships and mend the bonds of broken homes. Solomon's ambition transcends mere aesthetics; he believes in the transformative power of art to heal and reunite families. By weaving narratives of struggle and triumph into his paintings, he encourages viewers to reflect on their journeys, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Awofadeju Solomon continues to carve a distinctive niche in the art world, using his talent to inspire, uplift, and remind us of the enduring power of love and resilience. His works invite us to explore our memories and experiences, ultimately igniting hope for a more connected and compassionate world.