Introduction

I am proud to introduce Princess Abbey, a 13-year-old Grade 10 (SHS 1) Visual Arts student at Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua. I have had the privilege of mentoring her from Grade 7 to now, and she is already emerging as a young voice for positive change through her art.

Her painting, "The Breeze of Liberty," was created in response to the theme "Echoes of Impact: Art for Awareness and Change" for the Creator Art Awards organized by Art Journal Foundation.

Though she did not win, the journey itself has been transformative — helping her reflect deeply on social themes like gender equality, and beginning the important work of building her professional portfolio at such a young age.

We are deeply grateful to Art Journal Foundation for their efforts in inspiring young artists worldwide.

Please take a moment to experience Princess’s artwork and her powerful reflections below.

#MentoringTheNextGeneration #ArtinTheRound

Artist Profile

Name: Princess Abbey 

School: Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua 

Grade: 10 (SHS 1) 

Age: 13 years 

 Program of Study: Visual Arts

Artwork Title: The Breeze of Liberty

Gender Inequality in Northern Ghana

In many parts of Northern Ghana, women and girls don’t have the same opportunities as men. For years, they have been treated as less important, denied education, and expected to focus only on household chores and early marriage. Many girls never get the chance to finish school, get good jobs, or become leaders because of how society sees them.

This is a big problem because when girls are not given the same chances as boys, it affects everyone—not just women. Families remain stuck in poverty, communities don’t grow, and Ghana as a whole misses out on the talents and ideas of half its population. If girls are educated and allowed to work in any field, they can help their families, start businesses, and even change the world.

This connects to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality. The goal is to make sure women and girls everywhere have the same rights as men.

Chosen Artwork: I Paint Flowers 

Artist: Frida Kahlo

My inspiration comes from Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist known for exploring gender, identity, and personal experiences in her work. Her ability to express emotions through art inspired me to do the same.

In particular, I was drawn to her piece "I Paint Flowers", where she uses flowers to preserve memories and create awareness. I connected this concept to my artwork by using flowers as a symbol of identity and expression, just as Frida did. Her work reminds me that women can use art to share their stories, emotions, and talents with the world—a message I hope to reflect in my own piece.

Analysis: Reflection on My Artwork (The Breeze of Liberty)

My painting explores gender inequality and the need for women to have equal opportunities in society. At the center of my work is a black silhouette of a woman, her face tilted upwards in an expression of peace and confidence. Embroidered with flowers, the figure represents femininity, resilience, and self-expression. Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s "I Paint Flowers", I used flowers as a symbol of identity and memory, reinforcing the idea that women can share their stories and emotions through art.

A key element in my artwork is the use of Adinkra symbols, a traditional set of visual symbols from the Akan people of Ghana, used to convey deep philosophical messages. These symbols have been passed down for generations, appearing on textiles, pottery, and architecture as a way to communicate values, proverbs, and cultural wisdom. In my painting, each Adinkra symbol represents an essential quality of women:

• 'Duafe' (wooden comb) – Symbolizes beauty, cleanliness, and nurturing, representing the grace and compassion women bring to society.

• 'Fihankra' (house or compound) – Stands for security, safety, and unity, reflecting a woman’s role in providing warmth and stability for her family and community.

• 'Ese Ne Tekrema' (the teeth and tongue) – Literally means "the teeth and tongue", two parts of the mouth that sometimes clash (when we accidentally bite our tongue), yet must always work together in harmony. This represents the ability of women to resolve conflicts, maintain relationships, and bring unity to families and communities, even in difficult situations.

• 'Eban' (fence) – Represents love and protection, emphasizing the safe spaces and emotional security that women create.

The Venus symbol with an equal sign, placed within the composition, directly reinforces the theme of gender equality, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the Adinkra symbols can understand the message of the piece.

Through bold colors, overlapping shapes, and symbolic imagery, I wanted to show that women’s strength, intelligence, and contributions deserve recognition. This artwork connects to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality, which advocates for the empowerment of women worldwide. In Ghana, particularly in the north, many women still face discrimination, limited access to education, and economic restrictions. My painting is a call to action, using art as a tool to raise awareness and spark conversations about gender equality.

Adinkra symbols have long been used to tell stories, share wisdom, and preserve cultural identity. By incorporating them into my artwork, I hope to not only honor my Ghanaian heritage but also introduce a global audience to the rich visual language of my culture. Women have so much to offer, and it’s time we recognize and embrace their full potential.

Conclusion

I am truly grateful to Art Journal Foundation for this incredible opportunity to showcase my work and be part of a global conversation on art. Their dedication to promoting art internationally is inspiring, and I am honored to contribute to this movement.

A special thank you to my Art and Design Studio teacher, Mr. Samuel Ohene-Sarfo, whose guidance, encouragement, and passion for art have pushed me to explore my creativity and bring out the best in my work. His support has been invaluable in shaping my artistic journey.

Thank you for taking the time to experience my artwork. 

Special Acknowledgment

A heartfelt thank you to the Art Journal Foundation for providing platforms like the Creator Art Awards that challenge and inspire young artists globally.

Contact & Follow

📩 Princess Abbey – princessabbey71@gmail.com 

🎨 Mentored by Samuel Ohene-Sarfo

🏫 Ghana Senior High School, Visual Arts Program