Adjei TAWIAH Nose Ring - 2020 Mixed media and terry cloth on canvas Signed and dated lower right "Tawiah 2020". 207 × 130 cm Mixed media and sponge fabric on canvas; signed and dated lower right 81.50 × 51.18 in. Origin : Unit Gallery, London Acquired directly from Unit Gallery by the current owner Adjei TAWIAH "The Ghanaian nylon sponge is called kotsa in our local Ga-dangme dialect. Using the kotsa has become my signature and serves as a metaphor for purification and renewal. I first had the idea of using it after my mother died. In Ghana, the funeral traditions of the Ga people include a process we call kotsa gbamo, or body bathing. This is the final realisation that the person can no longer bathe themselves and that others are called upon to do so in their place. This is one of the rituals that allows the spirit of the deceased to rest rather than wander the world suffering eternally. The Ga word for soul is susuma, which also means spirit or shadow" - Interview by Katie White, published on 28 March 2023 on the Artnet website. "The local Ghanaian nylon sponge we call kotsa in our local dialect Ga-dangme. The use of kotsa has become my signature and is used as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal. I first got inspired to use it after my mother's passing. Part of the burial traditions in Ghana amongst Ga people includes a process we call kotsa gbamo, which is the bathing of the corpse. It is the final realisation that the person can no longer bathe themselves and that others are called to do the duty for them. This is one of the rituals performed to ensure that the spirit of the departed member of the family can rest rather than wandering in the world forever suffering. The Ga word for soul is susuma, which also means spirit or shadow." - Interview by Katie White, published on 28th March 2023 Artnet website