Ima, Brian Coutinho’s first akua'ba-inspired statue, stands as the foundational piece of his evolving series. Crafted in stonework, Ima features Coutinho’s signature layered glazing technique that gives the statue a textured depth, while intricate linework adds detail and movement. With this first piece Coutinho uses Adinkra symbols infusing deeper layers of meaning, with references to immortality, greatness and growth.

Symbolically regarded as the "grandmother" of all subsequent creations, Ima embodies the timeless beauty, strength, and spiritual significance of the akua'ba tradition, blending traditional motifs with Coutinho’s contemporary aesthetic vision.