The techniques chosen by the artists express the themes of the works as much as the subjects represented by the artists. Working with woven textiles, for example, is a way to tell of the integration and multiculturalism of a family in Wales that preserves Ghanaian traditions, such as that of Anya Paintsil.
The dual heritage of the artist, of a Ghanaian father and Welsh mother, is told through illustrations on rugs, which refer to traditional Ghanaian hairstyles, which are not only an aesthetic trait but also a symbol of femininity and domestic customs with historical and cultural value.

Instead, the choice of rugs as the final product of Anya Paintsil’s works is directed toward telling the story of a craft that was often carried out by women and to a typical working-class job. Of this practice Paintsil enhances the creativity, drawing inspiration from Welsh and Ghanaian oral culture, from folk tales, and from the symbols the artist brings back in her works.
The subjects and poses are almost always ironic, a means of stigmatizing and recounting childhood traumas and experiences that helped define the artist’s identity.
Until June 29, Anya Paintsil’s artworks will be on display at Ed Cross London, for the new We Are All Made of You exhibition.