STRUGGLE WITH TRAGEDY
(1955)
Original Dimensions: 69" x 9" x 10"

In this kind of sculpture, as in all cement and terrazzo works, I build up the kind of figure I want in stages around iron and wire armatures placed horizontally on the ground. When the basic structure is built, the figure is raised to stand, often vertically, or as it will be required to pose when wholly completed. The structure receives installments of cement, concrete and terrazzo chips. 

In this figure, the raised arms around its head region is traditionally indicative of sorrow or deprivation, misery or despondency. It is normally a taboo for anybody to be in that posture where an arm or both arms are raised above the head or even both palms clasped over one's head. Anyone who under ordinary circumstances assumes this posture provides a spiritual magnetic field for evil omen. The struggle with tragedy is portrayed in the weakness in the limbs, his agape mouth, melancholic and disturbed disposition. This piece is meant to be symbolic of a Ghanaian belief suggesting that it is essential for people to struggle out of difficulties rather than to submit to, or be ridden over by them. As long as God exists, there is hope for man, a belief which stresses man's oneness with God.

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