On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Diaspora News Guide, along with our Chief Editor, Mr. K. LaRoy Williams had the opportunity to interview a remarkable artist, Mr. Prince Versace, who has worked at the Accra Art Center for an impressive 32 years. Through his art and dedication, he has built a strong reputation with visitors from the diaspora, who speak highly of him and the works he has created.
Mr. Versace is well-known at the Art Center for his unique skills in painting, wooden sculpture, customization, carving, and sketching. He manages a stall where he sells various arts and crafts, gaining admiration for his reliability and artistry. Over the years, his artwork has reached people from different countries, further cementing his reputation.
Wooden Sculptures made by Mr. Versace
Reflecting on the beginnings of his artistic journey, Mr. Versace shared that his passion began as a child watching cartoons and African movies. Mr. Versace recalled, “Back when my mom gave me money to go buy books, I was the kind of guy who liked watching cartoons and wanted to buy comics instead. Around 1997-1998, it would be more inspiring to me to go around the corner and buy the comics. I enjoyed watching American movies for inspiration like “Coming to America”. I would see the artwork, and I believed that I could do this same type of art. However, back then, I was not into painting, I was into comics. I always wanted to carve something like what I was seeing. My grandfather was into carving, so I thought, let me go to him. He shared, so I started following my grandfather to learn how he would sketch on the wood and start to carve”.
Mr. Prince Versace working in his shop at the Accra Art Centre
Mr. Versace explained that three core principles—honesty, social media engagement, and quality have sustained his career:
Honesty: Versace emphasized the importance of integrity in art and pricing, especially when serving those from the diaspora. “What I believe about life is, when you’re being honest, more opportunities will come your way. Although I’m not a traveler, I speak more than 28 languages. I always known there is something that us Africans need to learn. When we see African American’s coming to buy, we say oh, he is American, he is from Germany, but when you try to sell something that is 10cedis as 500cedis, and they go someplace else and see it is less expensive, you will never be trusted again. I always make sure my client gets the best price” he shared.
Social media: Recognizing the power of online platforms, Mr. Versace actively reaches out to people on YouTube and other channels to expand his network. “My location in the Arts Center is the last shop, after me there is no other shop behind me so if I don’t expose myself, who is going to know me”. Therefore, I’m always busy on the internet, I’m always busy on the YouTube, I’m always busy talking to people all the time. Although they don’t know me, I always make sure my Wi-Fi is always on and available to talk to people,” he revealed.
Quality and Knowledge: For Mr. Versace, delivering high-quality art that reflects Ghanaian history and culture is crucial. He sources wood and materials from various parts of Ghana and incorporates symbols from different Ghanaian cultures, such as the Ashantis and Ewes. He states, “I make sure that anything that I would bring out will touch people because it not just you coming to buy art, you don’t know what you are buying”. Everything has meaning, here you see we have the Adinkra symbol which we attached to the different masks that you see. Some of the marks are from the Ashanti’s, some are from the Fantis, or the Ewes. They all have their own meaning and symbols.
Arts made by Mr. Prince Versace
The 54 years old artist also advised fellow artists to stay patient, persistent, and understanding of customers’ diverse backgrounds, especially diasporas, as it builds lasting relationships. Through his dedication and artistry, Mr. Prince Versace continues to leave an incredible mark at the Accra Art Center, inspiring visitors, and nurturing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
About the Accra Art Center
Known as the National Centre for Culture, “The Accra Art Centre” is a lively cultural hub located near the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The center offers a wide variety of handmade arts, crafts, traditional textiles, and more. With its extensive range of stalls and an art gallery, it’s a true haven for tourists seeking authentic Ghanaian art, where they can explore everything from woven Kente cloth to unique wood and metal crafts.
STORY BY : EUNICE ADJEI