London (CNN)Dennis Owusu-Ansah is a New York-based Ghanaian artist whose pop art images are taking Instagram by storm.
Reworking
and reimagining some of the world's biggest artists in authentic African
clothing and cultural attire, Owusu-Ansah is highlighting the beauty of Africa
through his work..
With bright block colors contrasting intricate patterns, the
images have transformed the likes of Drake, Rihanna and Beyonce into powerful
African icons in traditional dress and with traditional names.
"After
witnessing my friend get teased by a group of men for wearing a kente cloth on
our way to church, I figured something must be done to change the perspective
of people who are not familiar with the African culture," he told CNN.
"They
had no idea what my friend was wearing. One of the guys shouted 'That man has a
blanket wrapped around his body like it's winter time.' I saw this incident as
an opportunity to educate people about who we are, and what we stand for
through my art."
After that life-changing moment, 26-year-old Owusu-Ansah decided
that he wanted his art to tell a story and for his audience to learn,
"that Africa isn't only about what the media portrays on television,"
but that it is "a continent rich in history, diversity and
traditions."
Choosing
to depict celebrities trending in the entertainment business, Owusu-Ansah knows
that they have an influence on their fans.
By
illustrating them in African clothing, he hopes that it will bring awareness to
traditional culture, and allow people to start educating themselves and those
around them in African culture.
With
over 12,000 Instagram followers, Owusu-Ansah's fanbase is
growing every day and he has even branched into creating unisex clothing.