Adrinka symbol reference

“The iconography used specifically in this painting was chosen to represent a mixture of literal and figurative meaning. As well as the historical reference to Akan people and the Americans (USA).”

A bystander recorded the murder of Eric Garner on a cell phone. That video was the reference I used to create my depiction. I incorporated the position of the four policemen and Eric Garner in this video to mark the arrangements of the Adinkra symbols.

Adinkra are symbols that represent concepts or aphorisms. Originally created by the Bono people of Gaymen, an Akan people of Ghana. Adinkra symbols are used extensively in fabrics, logos and pottery. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features.

I wanted to use Adinkra symbology to represent not only the physical subjects in the painting but also to include the literal definition of each specific symbol as a unifying motif. The iconography used specifically in this painting was chosen to represent a mixture of literal and figurative meaning. As well as the historical reference to Akan people and the Americans (USA).

The four police, clockwise from bottom left:

SEPOW (executioner) to depict officer Pantaleo, who was Eric's killer, seemed only suitable.
PA GYA (gun)
TAMFO BEBRE (Jealousy & Envy "The enemy will suffer")
KRADO (Padlock, the symbol for law)
SUNSUM (The Soul) was used to represent Eric Garner.
On the right side we see a wall with other symbology.
KOJO BAIDEN (All Seeing Eye, Omnipresence)
MMERE DANE ("Time changes" Reflects the transitory of all things)
KONTIRE NE AKWAM (“two heads are better than one.” Emphasizes the need for democracy in governance.)

Straight ahead further down the path we see another Symbol.

ANI BERE A ENSO (Self control)

Above that in the sky we see DWENIMMEN. A symbol of strength with humility “the horns of a ram.” It represents strength (in mind, body, and soul)

Last we see WUO ATWEDEE ("The ladder of death" Mortality)

JAW @jawfromearth