Abstract
This research paper examines the evolution of graphic design in Ghana since gaining independence in 1957, focusing on key design movements, colonial influences, and the emergence of a distinct national visual identity. Through analysis of academic literature, industry publications, and visual artifacts, the study traces how Ghanaian graphic design transitioned from colonial-era aesthetics dominated by European styles to more indigenous approaches incorporating traditional motifs, symbols, and cultural elements. The paper explores how early post-independence designers sought to forge a new national identity through visual communication, drawing inspiration from pre-colonial art forms like Adinkra symbols and kente cloth patterns. It analyzes the impact of technological changes, from hand-drawn lettering to digital design tools, typographic styles, and production methods. The research examines how contemporary Ghanaian designers are reinterpreting cultural heritage through a modern lens, blending traditional and global influences. Key themes that emerge include the tension between Western design principles and local aesthetic traditions, the role of design education in shaping practice, and how graphic design has both reflected and contributed to Ghana’s evolving cultural identity in the post-colonial era. The paper investigates the challenges and opportunities facing Ghanaian graphic designers, including the need to preserve cultural heritage while embracing modernity and the potential for developing locally relevant design theories. This research argues that Ghanaian graphic design has undergone a transformative journey since independence, developing a unique visual language that balances indigenous cultural expression with global design trends, ultimately playing a crucial role in visualizing and communicating Ghana’s post-colonial national identity.
Presenters
Hilary De HeerStudent, Master of FIne Arts, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Graphic design in Ghana, Cultural identity, Western design principles
