Hand-Painted Braindead Movie Poster - Ghanaian Art

This hand-painted movie poster for "Braindead" (also known as "Dead Alive") showcases the iconic horror-comedy directed by Peter Jackson. The poster features vibrant and grotesque imagery typical of Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters, capturing the film's mix of horror, humor, and over-the-top gore. Created with oil paints on recycled flour sacks, the artwork is both striking and unique, reflecting the creativity and skill of Ghanaian artists.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters are a significant form of African art, emerging in the 1980s with the advent of video cassettes and mobile cinemas in Ghana. These posters were hand-painted on recycled flour sacks by local artists, used to attract audiences to screenings held in various locations, from social clubs to open-air venues. Each poster is a one-of-a-kind piece, often featuring imaginative interpretations and added scenes to make them more appealing.

This art form thrived until the mid-1990s when the rise of television reduced the demand for mobile cinemas. Despite the decline, these posters have become highly collectible and are celebrated in museums worldwide for their bold colors, dynamic compositions, and cultural significance. They stand as a testament to the resourcefulness and artistic talent found in Ghana, preserving a unique aspect of the country's cinematic and artistic heritage.

Film Information

"Braindead" (1992)

• Genre: Horror, Comedy
• Director: Peter Jackson
• Cast: Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin
• Plot: The film is set in 1957 and follows Lionel, a young man living with his domineering mother. After his mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey and turns into a zombie, Lionel tries to keep her undead state a secret, but things quickly spiral out of control, leading to a gory and hilarious climax.

"Braindead" is celebrated for its outrageous and inventive special effects, making it a cult classic in the horror-comedy genre. Director Peter Jackson, who later achieved fame with the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, showcases his early talent for blending horror and humor in a uniquely over-the-top manner. The film's combination of slapstick comedy and excessive gore has earned it a dedicated fan base and a lasting legacy in genre cinema.