ASAFO

28 Jul-15 Sep 2019

Overview

In the 17th century, on the coast of what is now modern-day Ghana, the Fante people developed a new tradition, commencing a visual practice today considered as one of the most vivid and celebratory of 20th century Africa. These are Asafo flags: 'asa' meaning war, 'fo' meaning people. They are symbols and allegories, conjured from folk tales and proverbs across the region. Asafo flags continue to inspire many of the world’s artists, curators and designers. The works on display feature vintage flags from a number of key collections, including that of author and enthusiast, Peter Adler.