Bringing People Together With Balloons

Addi Somekh, balloon artist and author of Inflatable Planet, shares his journey to explore life and laughter

Photography by Addi Somekh

Picture a remote Ghanaian village. There’s a simple mud hut supporting a thatched straw roof. Out front stands an elder in a traditional Ghanaian smock. A woman next to him dons a colorful kente cloth dress. They’re adorned with strands of beads and have a stately air about them. However, atop both of their heads rests an elaborate conglomeration of color. Intricate bubbles and loops accompanied by swirls and spirals are piled so high they reach several feet above their heads. 

This is what happens when Addi Somekh visits your village.

Inspired by his unique talent and sociological curiosity, Addi set out on a four-year, thirty-five- country trek to bring joy and facilitate fun via balloon art.

The Balloon Guy

Addi’s beginning with balloons is an interesting part of his story. "I learned how to twist when I was 19 when I got a job as a balloon guy in a local restaurant, working for tips. I knew I was good at it right away because it was the first time I was ever good at anything. I instantly made good money, so I kept doing it." 

Although it was making him money, he didn't quite embrace his new talent as admirable or worthy right away. "The problem was that I was also embarrassed because I thought it was the lamest art form ever - I was definitely a self-hating balloon guy at the beginning."