Clothing and Accessories as a form of Artistic Expression

Abstract

This study explores how clothing and accessories serve as forms of artistic expression in Ghana, investigating their role in self-expression, cultural identity, and social communication. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys (N=500) and in-depth interviews (N=20) with Ghanaian adults aged 18-60, the research reveals that 88% of participants consider clothing a form of art. Key findings include gender differences in the importance attributed to clothing for self-expression, age-related variations in the use of traditional textiles, and the complex interplay between global clothing trends and local cultural practices. Thematic analysis of interviews identified the use of traditional Ghanaian textiles and symbols in contemporary clothing, the influence of globalization, and the role of clothing in asserting personal and cultural identity. This research contributes to the literature on clothing as artistic expression, emphasizing its cultural specificity in the Ghanaian context.