Francia Boakye
The Artist
Francia Boakye was born in London but spent her formative years in Ghana, West Africa. At the age of eleven, she returned to London, and it is this international upbringing that has led her to experience many worlds.
Having completed undergraduate studies in Law at Liverpool John Moores University, she became passionate about fashion design and enrolled in a night course in Garment Construction at Liverpool Community College. Upon completion, Francia wanted to further explore her artistic interests. Having heard about the reputation of Heriot-Watt University she came to Edinburgh to Study International Fashion Marketing.
In 2015, Francia decided to take a bold step of faith away from the familiar into the unknown. She started designing and creating her very own in-house band which would later be known as Frank Francia. Alongside this Francia runs thriving sewing classes in Edinburgh and beyond, and online. In 2023/24 her work was exhibited as part of Alberta Whittle’s Project at the National Galleries of Scotland.
The Work
‘The Cost of Freedom’
As we constantly seek freedom in various capacities in our lives, we are also oblivious to how much it costs and its weight. We are all fighting the same battles but not equally, in the hope that one day we will be liberated from the shackles that have held us bound. Whether it’s freedom from addictions and oppression, cultures and traditions that entangle us, or the crippling effect of the power of poverty and lack; we can all relate.
This piece has been sensitively crafted to first acknowledge the silent pains that we face every day. The blazing sound of trauma that echoes silently within us which cannot be seen, but the effect is felt by those around us. Each basket tells a unique story, carefully constructed using natural fibres such as Jute, hemp, organic cotton, linen, and tartan. Representing the diversity of our community the 47 languages, spoken by pupils of Craigroyston Community High School neighbouring North Edinburgh Arts, have been woven into the baskets.