In response to the exhibition’s theme, their collaboration explores the conversation between Ghana and two of its former colonial rulers, Britain and Denmark, over four centuries. A site-specific concept; the architecture and 450-year history of Somerset House provide the perfect foil for the project. It is an exploration of what might have been.

The exhibit will explore and manipulate; materials, space, light and textures, provoking an evolution of attitudes and ideology. Amplify will suggest an equilibrium of environmental and cultural sensitivity that resonates with the 21^st century. The concept expands through and beyond creativity, forcing us to reconsider the value of conceptual and socio-economic equilibrium. Amplify holds both historic and future relevance in the West and the Global South.

Inspired by this prestigious venue, the Ghana design team has delved into Somerset House’s own history. The discoveries from which, have resulted in the decision to make Amplify a site-specific concept. In 1603 Anne of Denmark, wife of James I of England, moved to Somerset House, and it was renamed Denmark House in her honour. Once in England, she threw her energy into patronage of the arts, creating a cultural salon that attracted leading painters, writers and thinkers. In 1609, she invited Inigo Jones and other architects, to redesign and rebuild parts of the palace. The work continued until her death in 1619. She was said to be an assertive, independent and dynamic patron of the arts who constructed a magnificent court. Anne of Denmark's focus on nurturing the arts, at Somerset House, existed in a thriving socio-cultural European economy.

Chrissa Amuah is the Founder and Creative Director of AMWA Designs, an Adinkra-inspired luxury homeware and interiors brand. She is an MA graduate from the world-renowned Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London.  

Chrissa has described living with a sense of duality. Although born and raised in London, her heritage stems from Ghana, Togo and Benin; but it is from Ghana that she draws most of her design inspiration. Following an international debut at Milan Design Week 2015, Chrissa has gained global recognition with press features in Elle Décor, Departures magazine and the FT’s How To Spend It, to name a few. 

In 2017, she established AFRICA BY DESIGN; a concept of love intended to showcase and celebrate the best of Africa’s design talent. AFRICA BY DESIGN works to create international commercial opportunities for its featured designers. Since its launch, AFRICA BY DESIGN has exhibited in five cities across four continents. Chrissa’s passion for African design extends to her role as a Pan Afrikan Design Institute (PADI) publications committee member.

In 2017, Chrissa was also recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Black British Business Awards Consumer & Luxury Category.

 In August 2020 Chrissa Amuah was announced as a member of the Allgood Collective, as a brand ambassador for sustainable footwear brand, Allbirds.

2021 will see the launch of her collection with multi-award winning, Bernhardt Design – one of America’s largest and highly acclaimed textile and furniture manufacturers.

Career highlights to date also include her collaboration with renowned architect, Alice Asafu-Adjaye, to represent Ghana for the London Biennale 2021.