![]() The paintings have a distinct aesthetic - rich and deep colors, bold lines and brushstrokes, and frequently, various scenes underneath a larger central figure or object. An avid collector of movie posters, he was immediately drawn to Ghanaian artists for their unusual approach to the format. Rather, the painting was commissioned halfway around the world by a bespectacled, sweet-natured, 41-year-old Chicagoan named Brian Chankin.Ĭhankin’s ethical allegiance to the artists has a lot to do with his appreciation for the artform. It was made in Ghana, by an artist named Magasco most likely, he hasn’t even seen The Royal Tenenbaums. The unusual poster wasn’t actually released by the studio - in fact, it wasn’t even produced on this continent. You might recall Owen Wilson driving a convertible in face paint, but not a wolf attacking him while he was behind the wheel. The images don’t quite reflect scenes you viewed. What do you remember from it? Gwyneth Paltrow walking in slow motion, set to the Nico song “These Days”? Ben Stiller and the two children playing his sons, all clad in red Adidas track suits? Do you remember the scene where one of the two boys was decapitated? No?! Well, just take a look at the movie poster.Įxcept this poster isn’t the one you remember from when The Royal Tenenbaums initially came out. Today access to printing is far less expensive and movies have become more accessible to the general public in Ghana.Have you ever seen The Royal Tenenbaums? You know, the Wes Anderson movie, starring Gene Hackman. Though a specific poster might only be 10-20 years old, it’s appearance will far surpass it’s actual age due to the elemental toll one takes from constant transit, being rolled, folded, left in the sun, rain, etc. The ruggedness of these posters is immediately noticed. Each unique poster varies in size ranging from 40 - 50 in. By sewing together two used flour sacks, a perfect sized canvas for a movie poster was created. Skilled local artists were now part of this growing entertainment industry in Ghana, and they surely brought their own distinct touch to each film they were called upon to promote. With no affordable access to printing, the hand-painted movie poster was the most logical advertising vehicle. Mobile cinema operators found a need to set their products apart, so an advertising motif came into play. An interesting selection of movies became popular because of this trade includeing both Hollywood action and horror, low budget American schlock, Bollywood films, Hong Kong martial arts movies, and native Ghanaian and Nigerian features.Īs more people gained interest in this rising business, competition arose. With a television, vcr, vhs tapes, and a portable generator they’d travel throughout Ghana setting up make-shift screening areas in villages void of electricity. This business started in the late 1980’s when artistic industrious groups of people formed video clubs. ![]() These posters were once the product of a much larger industry known as the “Ghanaian Mobile Cinema”. A large, unique collection of hand painted movie posters and signboards from Ghana, Fante Asafo Flags, antique masks, sculpture and other handmade objects. Open by appointment.ĭeadly Prey is a Chicago art space championing West African artwork. Deadly Prey Gallery features a huge collection of Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters, signboards & beautiful artifacts from Africa.
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