I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see the
Africa Fashion exhibit at the
Field Museum. The more inhumane and degrading American culture becomes under the mis-leadership of our current regime, the deeper I want to dive into my African ancestry. I have been going to the Art Institute weekly to revisit the
Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica show on the days when admission is free for Chicago residents. I have always been interested in my culture, but the more the powers that be try to deny us access to it, the more I want to immerse myself in it. Who knows how much longer mainstream institutions will be able to fund exhibits like this.
Since the Field Museum focuses on anthropology, the exhibition provides a great deal of historical context, including a timeline showing when African nations freed themselves from colonial oppression.
A few records from the era when many of the nations represented became independence are also on display.
As I learned in my textiles class in design school, fabric is much more complicated than it appears to be on the surface. Fashion is the same way. I appreciate the time the curators have taken to tell the stories of the designers and people they made clothes for. Another admirable aspect of this exhibit is the care taken to display mannequins with cultural hairstyles like Afro puffs, Bantu knots, and cornrows. The artistry and craftmanship of these incredible garments is so inspiring. I've included my favorites below. (Unfortunately I didn't get the names of all the designers.)
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| Artsi Ifrach |
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| Christie Brown by Aisha Ayensu |
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| Maxhosa Africa by Laduma Ngxokolo |
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| Imane Ayissi |
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| Awa Meité |
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| Kenneth Ize |
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| Lukhanyo Mdingi |
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| Nkwo by Nkwo Onwuka |
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| Lafalaise Dion |
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| Inzuki by Teta Isibo |
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| Photo by James Barnor, Accra, Ghana, 1971 |
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| made by dressmaker in Dakar, Senegal |
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| James Barnor |
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| Kofi Ansah |
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| Amine Benriouich |
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| Sindiso Khumalo |
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| Nao Serati |
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| Thebe Amagugu |
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| Imane Ayissi |
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| an Azzedine Alaïa gown that Michelle Obama wore |
There is also a related show connecting African fashion to Black designers in Chicago.
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| Akese Stylelines |
They have some beautiful items from African businesses in the
gift shop. I picked up this colorful tote bag and some tea from Kenya.
This exhibit is on view until June 29th and Illinois residents get free admission on Wednesdays.
