Nana Oforiatta-Ayim is having a moment, and Accra is having it right along with her. The opening of a large new gallery space for her art foundation Ano was last month, coinciding with a watershed moment in the dynamic Ghanaian contemporary art scene. We've long admired Nana's intentional mixing of genres in her curatorial projects; combining "high" with "low" art, hanging photography next to coffins. Not to mention her always flawless personal style. Below, Nana wears Osei-Duro frequently on the job, and gives the details on her work and life.
What do you do?
I’m a writer, filmmaker and art historian.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up and write; have lunch; work on projects: films, exhibitions, research; have dinner; spend time with people I love.
What do you love most about your work?
Creating stories, narrative, depth and simplicity.
What is your relationship to Osei Duro?
I first came across Osei-Duro through artist Kenturah Davis. She got in touch to draw me for a mural she was doing on women in the arts in Accra, and she was working with Osei-Duro at the time, I saw the clothes and loved everything. I love especially that they feel like silk pyjamas, but look all dressed up.
How do you style your Osei-Duro pieces?
I like putting lots of different prints together.
What advice do you have to offer someone who is just starting out?
To stick with it no matter what.
Describe your perfect day off.
Spending the day in or by the sea, wandering around a city, or surrounded by trees.