collages on jute canvas.The variety of textures, beautiful colors, and the unique patterns of the
African fabric makes his work stand out. To him, art is a calling he cannot ignore. His artwork is
focused on the youth of Africa, and the voices taken from them because of traditional and
political reasons, their way of life in terms of the challenges they face as youth, and the hidden
beauty, feelings, and identity problems we turn to forget.
His artwork is influenced by the important role fabric plays in our everyday life; fabric is the first
gift you get when born in Africa even if you are from a poor family, and is the last gift you get
when you die. Fabric covers many secrets in life, the pain, scars, and joys. Fabric plays a big role
in the right of passage in life, being it celebration or mourning. That importance makes it an
important material to use in his work.
Mawuli studied visual arts in high school and went on to study textiles design and technology at
a tertiary level. Due to lack of employment in the textiles production industry and production
companies closing down, he decided to use his knowledge about textiles in making his artworks.
In Ghana, there is a saying which goes “textiles covers many secrets” being good or bad—and
Mawuli is ready to uncover them. He is a collage artist, and his use of off-cuts is Mawuli’s way
of promoting recycled art, formulating a message that due to global warming we must recycle the
materials we use in everyday life.