Art

BY ALI SHAKKA

The History and Concept of this Painting, by Ali Shakka

15 x 20” cloth illustration board with acrylic paint

The concept of this painting and passion “show” a passionate side of the artist and expression and mood of the art itself. It took many hours and days to finish this African “Art.” African art is beautiful, the colors show happiness as the people of Africa are free and happy people. Songs, Dance and compassion for nature is the soul of the African man and woman.

As you can see there are many animals in the background (elephant, wildebeest, cobra snake, and the majestic Giraffe whom is very gentle but has an deadly kick). The Giraffe is the tallest mammal of living four-footed animals. The mask is an African Culture mask used in dance, celebrations of the harvest, the rain, sun thanking (God) Allah for his blessings.

The saying is in the African Amerikkka culture Honey Hush! was said back in the 40’s, it came from a song by Joe Turner (he said it roll like a big wheel in
King Jordan cotton field “Honey Hush,”ha) bring back memory all other sayings are from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, and now so what’s the fuss Stevie Wonder… The seven candles stand for the seven principles of Kwanzaa; They are #1 UMOJA (unity), #2 KUJTCHAGULTA (self-determination), #3 UJIMA (collective work and responsibility), #4 UJAMAA (cooperative economies), #5 NIA (purpose), #6 KUUMBA (creativity) and #7 IMANI (faith)…there are two reasons Kwanzaa is a seven day holiday; the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa is modeled on first fruit celebrations in ancient Africa especially southern Africa first fruit celebrations such as UMKHOST of Zulu land, which have seven days. The core reason for the, length of Kwanzaa is to stress the seven principles, which serve to inspire and reaffirm central values and practices that unite and strengthen families, culture and communities. The candle holder is called “KINARA,” the wording I have on the KINARA is “NIA”(purpose) and Kwanzaa (celebration). -Kinara hold together as the Kinara hold the candles. UMOJA (unity) come back together like we were in Africa!!

(It took 3 weeks to complete this painting. African art changes with each stroke of the painter’s brush. Please enjoy this gift from God to me, I share with you.

Ali Shakka
s/n Bennie Hayes #825298
Polunsky Unit
3872 F.M. 350 South
Livingston, TX 77351 USA