By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

“The Adinkra symbols of Ghana, which encapsulate wisdom, philosophy, and life lessons, resonate deeply with the artistic expressions found in Korean art,” said Esi Han, the organizer of Harmony in Symbols Exhibition and a writer as well as a cross-cultural coach.

 

In an interview with the Diplomacy Journal, Esi Han said, “Korea hosted the Africa-Korea Summit on June 4-5 this year. We wanted to create an event that not only celebrates this important occasion but also bridges these two vibrant cultures. 

 

“The Adinkra symbols of Ghana, which encapsulate wisdom, philosophy, and life lessons, resonate deeply with the artistic expressions found in Korean art. This exhibition seeks to honor these connections and showcase the harmonious synergy that can emerge from cultural interactions.”

She continued to say, “As a writer and cross-cultural coach, I aim to encourage Koreans and foreigners residing in Korea to understand and appreciate other national cultures, which is also a key consideration for this event.”

 

 

The following is excerpts of the Diplomacy Journal’s interview with Esi Han, the organizer of Harmony in Symbols Exhibition.

 

Question 1: What inspired you to organize the ‘2024 Harmony in Symbols: Adinkra Meets Korean Artistry’ exhibition?

Answer: The inspiration for the ‘2024 Harmony in Symbols: Adinkra Meets Korean Artistry’ exhibition stemmed from my profound appreciation for both Ghanaian and Korean cultures. 

 

I am Esi Han, the organizer of Harmony in Symbols Exhibition and a writer as well as a cross-cultural coach. My experiences working in various embassies allowed me to witness firsthand the rich cultural heritages of these regions and identify many shared elements. This year, 2024, is particularly significant for Korea as we host the Africa-Korea Summit. We wanted to create an event that not only celebrates this important occasion but also bridges these two vibrant cultures. 

 

 

The Adinkra symbols of Ghana, which encapsulate wisdom, philosophy, and life lessons, resonate deeply with the artistic expressions found in Korean art. This exhibition seeks to honor these connections and showcase the harmonious synergy that can emerge from cultural interactions. Additionally, as a writer and cross-cultural coach, I aim to encourage Koreans and foreigners residing in Korea to understand and appreciate other national cultures, which is also a key consideration for this event. 

 

Question 2: Can you tell us more about the significance of Adinkra symbols and their role in this exhibition?

Answer: Adinkra symbols, originating from the Akan people of Ghana, are visual representations of concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. Each symbol carries profound meaning, reflecting various aspects of life, such as wisdom, love, and spirituality. In this exhibition, ten leading Korean artists have reinterpreted these ancient symbols through their unique artistic perspectives. This fusion of Adinkra symbols with Korean artistry not only highlights the beauty of cultural exchange but also offers a universal language through which experiences and values are shared.

 

Question 3: How does Harmony in Symbols Collective plan to support cultural exchange and community development in the future?

Answer: Harmony in Symbols Collective is committed to promoting and supporting African culture, fostering mutual respect and appreciation between different cultures. While our current exhibition is our inaugural initiative, we have ambitious plans for the future. We intend to organize more exhibitions and cultural events that highlight the rich heritage of African cultures and their intersections with other cultures. 

 

 

Proceeds from these future art sales will be directed towards community projects in Ghana, such as supporting libraries and community centers for children in the Kumasi region. These initiatives will provide resources and programs to encourage creativity and learning through art and literature, helping children achieve their dreams and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. Our goal is to create ongoing opportunities for cultural exchange and community development that will have a lasting impact.

 

Question 4: What has been the response from the community to this exhibition?

Answer: The response from the community has been very positive. As our first exhibition, it coincided with the Africa-Korea Summit, which added special significance. We had the honor of hosting numerous dignitaries, including ambassadors from various countries and representatives from cultural and business sectors. Notably, Ban Ki-moon and many officials from over 20 countries visited and expressed great interest in the exhibition. Their support underscores the importance of cultural exchange and encourages us to continue fostering respect and appreciation for each other's cultures and histories.

 

Question 5: What are your future plans for Harmony in Symbols Collective and similar cultural projects?

Answer: Looking ahead, Harmony in Symbols Collective plans to continue this journey of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. We envision making this exhibition an annual tradition, expanding to include other countries and their unique cultural symbols. Our goal is to create a continuous narrative of artistic dialogue that spans continents and cultures, fostering deeper understanding and respect. By highlighting the diverse and mystical aspects of different cultures through art, we aim to inspire shared humanity and promote a global appreciation for cultural heritage. 

 

The success of our first exhibition during this special year of the Africa-Korea Summit sets a strong foundation for future projects. We will also actively promote our organization and encourage new members to join, further strengthening our efforts and expanding our community of cultural advocates. Around September of this year, we plan to hold the exhibition again with special programs designed to engage a larger audience and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy and participate in our cultural initiatives.

 

Question 6: After all the events, what message would you like to share with everyone?

Answer: As the organizer of Harmony in Symbols Collective, this being our first event, I recognize that the process may not have been entirely smooth. However, the overwhelming support and encouragement from everyone around me made it a success. I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, including the Ghanaian Embassy, for their invaluable assistance. 

 

Most importantly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the artists who generously donated their incredible works and participated in the exhibition. Their contributions were the backbone of our success. Additionally, I am thankful for the friends who continuously encouraged me throughout this journey. Their belief in this vision made it all possible. I look forward to growing, learning, and improving in our future endeavors to make Harmony in Symbols Collective a truly impactful organization.