Corey Barksdale’s art is deeply rooted in cultural storytelling—vividly exploring heritage, identity, and the strength of the African diaspora. One of the cultural threads woven through his bold brushstrokes is the legacy of the Anlo Ewe people , a subgroup of the Ewe population found across southern Togo, Benin, southwest Nigeria, and Ghana’s Volta Region.
A Culture of Resilience and Storytelling
The Anlo Ewe trace their lineage through the male line in a patrilineal society rich with tradition, spirituality, and artistic symbolism. Their belief in the supreme deity Mawu , along with reverence for ancestral spirits and ceremonial rites, parallels the spiritual energy often seen in Corey’s visual language—his art functioning as both homage and invocation.
The Ewe’s dramatic migration from Notsie, Togo , is a tale of escape, resilience, and liberation. Trapped by the tyrannical rule of King Agorkoli, the Ewe people devised a brilliant plan: women softened a defensive wall with daily washing until the legendary elder Tegli drew the Sword of Liberation , summoning the divine to break through and free his people.
This narrative of freedom through collective action and spiritual strength echoes in Barksdale’s mural work—especially those honoring civil rights heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. or the “I Am a Man” movement, where figures rise through adversity with grace and power.
Military Tradition and Civic Unity
The Anlo Ewe structured themselves around a three-wing military system , influenced by the Akwamu, establishing the Lashibi, Adotri, and Woe flanks—each defending their territory under a rotating royal leadership system led by the Awoamefia (king). This balance of tradition, governance, and shared power shows up in Corey’s creative process when he collaborates with communities on public art, balancing artistic vision with local voice.
In murals for city projects like the Atlanta BeltLine, Ben Hill Recreation Center , and library installations , Corey channels this same respect for communal power and shared leadership. Just as the Anlo king lives among the people, Corey’s art is not created in isolation—it thrives within the community it speaks to .
Visual Language and Sacred Symbolism
Each Anlo clan has its own symbols, shrines, and lineage traditions—elements that can be seen in Corey’s intricate compositions, where shapes, lines, and faces feel like ancestral echoes. His use of color blocking, rhythmic patterns, and layered figures mirrors the spiritual geometry found in traditional African art, which often blends the secular with the sacred.
A Contemporary Expression of Legacy
Whether commissioned by cultural organizations, featured in exhibitions, or painting live during major events, Corey Barksdale’s work is a living canvas of African memory and modern identity . His art celebrates the journey—from the historical migrations of the Anlo Ewe to today’s movements for justice, joy, and belonging.
In every brushstroke, Corey paints the past into the present—making sure the stories of resilience, leadership, and spirit are never forgotten, only reimagined .