In Ghana, local artists create hand-painted posters for films, a tradition dating back to the 70s and 80s when DIY pop-up cinemas were popular. These artists, using discarded flour sacks as canvases, produced vibrant and dramatic posters, often featuring exaggerated scenes and muscular figures. With the advent of digital printing, hand-painted posters declined in popularity, but they have found a new audience globally, fetching around $800 each. Despite the availability of digital alternatives, the unique charm and craftsmanship of hand-painted posters continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Vocabulary:
• Canvas: A strong, durable fabric used for painting on.
• DIY: Abbreviation for "do it yourself," referring to activities done without professional help.
• Exaggerated: Represented in an exaggerated or overstated manner.
• Cult: A group of people with shared interests or beliefs, often characterized by a strong devotion to a particular cultural phenomenon.
• Counterfeit: Made in imitation of something else with the intent to deceive.
Source: Great Big Story