Interview Prince Cartiee
Prince Cartiee
Ghanaian visual artist Prince Cartiee traveled to Kwahu, Ghana, in collaboration with the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation and Project Maji. Among other things, he visited the new clean drinking water project. During this visit, Cartiee was able to express his creativity through photography. The result? A beautiful, colorful, and striking series of photos. We spoke with the talented artist about this trip and photo series.
Can you briefly tell us who you are and how you got started in photography?
Hi, my name is Prince "Cartiee" Baffour-Asare. I'm a visual artist from Accra, Ghana. I've been deeply interested in the entire process of photography since high school. I've experimented extensively with different art forms, which I consider a truly educational journey.
What was it like for you to visit the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation x Project Maji project?
It was a fascinating experience. I was able to see life outside the city, where nature reveals its greatest beauty. During the visit to the water stations, I saw how this improves access to clean water for people living in more remote areas.
“During the visit to the water stations, I saw how this improves access to clean water for people living in more remote places.”
Maame Adwoa
Maame Adwoa is 51 years old, a hairdresser and mother of three. Every morning, Maame collects water for her family from the water station.
What did you find most special during your visit?
I was impressed by the innovation of the water stations. Normally, I saw deep boreholes that required constant manpower to pump out the water. This time, I saw the Marie-Stella-Maris x Project Maji water stations that run on solar energy. They also have a filtration system to make the water even cleaner. What also struck me was the true essence of the community. Women and children from different families gathered at the water station and talked about life and how they can support the community and their families.
What does water mean to you?
For me personally, it's an incredibly powerful and natural resource. It's essentially part of life itself and our existence. I find it remarkable that we live on a planet with so much water. I consider it second only to the Creator of the universe, of course.
Rose
Rose is 30 years old, a farmer, and the mother of two daughters. She lives in Kwahu, Ghana, with her youngest daughter, Abena, and her parents.
"I was inspired by my people and our unintentional love for colorful water carriers. Almost every Ghanaian has a yellow jerrycan or colored bucket at home."
You created a beautiful artistic series during your visit to the community. Can you tell us more about it?
The series "Kwahu Boys" is a selection of images; the youthful playfulness of the boys and their colorful water carriers. I was inspired by my people and our unintentional love for colorful water carriers. Almost every Ghanaian has a yellow jerrycan or colorful bucket at home.
What's your personal favorite and why?
For me, it's the photo of the three boys. It's an almost surreal blend of the calm of the waves. The triangular composition of each boy and their colored bowl creates the standard color wheel. The beauty of such a color wheel is that you can create and combine any color. I also think this photo represents the providence of life, our waters, and our communities.
We see you use a lot of bright colors in this series, but also in your regular work. Can you tell us about your relationship with color?
I see working with color as working with emotions. I seek out the colors I find exciting and vibrant. Nature always brings even more beauty to these colors. I always strive to understand color theory and apply it effectively.
If people are interested in your work, where can they find you?
You can find me on my Instagram: @prince.cartiee or on my website princecartiee.com
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