Metal Welding Sculptural Portraiture for the Historical Remembrance of Political Figures in Ghana: The Case of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

Isaac Kwabena Agyei,Owusu Oteng Bediako,Dickson Adom

doi:10.34257/gjhssavol20is19pg1

Abstract

Artists in Ghana who produce sculptural busts or portraits mostly limit their production materials to clay, P.O.P., cement, and metal cast. These materials may have defects and could be potentially affected by environmental conditions for lifelong periods. Aluminium welding is not practiced by artists in the fabrication of photorealistic portraits. The techniques used by artists in Ghana is the clay and cement model, which can further be used in the creation of a cast resin or metal. The researchers investigated the most used materials for creating realistic busts. The pros and cons of the materials as well as their techniques were rigorously analyzed in comparison with the aluminium forming and welding technique. Welders are constrained as far as what they can create. Mostly welders produce iron gates, burglar-proof and security locks. There is the need to diversify the technique to be able to produce portraits as a step in experimenting and diversifying the material and technique.

Highlights

Artists in Ghana who produce sculptural busts or awesome assortment of media might be utilized, portraits mostly limit their production materials to clay, P.O.P., including wood, dirt, elastic, stone, fabric, glass, metal, cement, and metal cast
Based on the successful execution of this project, it has been established that aluminium welding technique can be used in producing a photorealistic representation of a figure aside the usual refractory materials such as clay and cement practiced by artists in Ghana
The back or the remaining Aluminium sheets were used to pick the shape of the part of the model which is separated by the clay wall figure in the mould in separate parts

Summary

Introduction

Artists in Ghana who produce sculptural busts or awesome assortment of media might be utilized, portraits mostly limit their production materials to clay, P.O.P., including wood, dirt, elastic, stone, fabric, glass, metal, cement, and metal cast. The back or the remaining Aluminium sheets were used to pick the shape of the part of the model which is separated by the clay wall figure in the mould in separate parts. The clay wall was removed before bust were formed separately and later welded together the first coat of the back (mould ‘B’) in order not to to form a completely stable unit.

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Results

Conclusion