Cotton: Global Threads

Inspired by Lubaina Himid’s Kanga Paintings and Collage Portraits

Lubaina Himid Art Never Sleep

I don't know how I missed Lubaina Himid's work when I visited the Cotton: Global Threads exhibition last year. Luckily for us all, you can have a look on the exhibition site. I love her series "Kangas From The Lost Sample Book" (kangas never cease to inspire – they influenced the Afri-love graphics and a game design project which we're currently working on at Asilia and should be able to share soon). I also absolutely love her collage portraits. 

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Cotton Global Threads exhibition: on the heritage of wax print and the exploitative nature of cotton production

Cotton-Global-Threads-exhibition-Whitworth-Art-Gallery-Manchester-UK

A recent visit to the Cotton: Global Threads exhibition raised 2 issues that I thought were particularly relevant for the Afri-love context: the heritage of wax print and the problems with cotton (and our complicity!). 

The exhibition at Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery gives a global history of the production, consumption and trade in cotton and features art by contemporary artists including Yinka Shonibare MBE, Malian artists Abdoulaye Konaté and Aboubakar Fofana and Grace Ndiritu. As well as presenting some truly beautiful textile-related installations and pieces of art, you're in for an informative experience. 

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