African Fabrics in Art Quilts
My art quilts are all about Color! Texture! and Movement! Inclucivity and respect are important themes that motivate me. It is no wonder that African fabrics embody my vision. The contribution of the African fabric to the fabric world is undisputed.
My Earlier Art Quilts
Travel Enriches is one of my earlier quilts. In our early thirties, my husband and I were able take a year traveling around Europe. We encountered people from the world over.We met people from Africa, the Middle Eastern and Asia as well as Europeans. For me traveling is not only about taking in the famous sights. It is about learning how other cultures think and live. This art quilt celebrates the brotherhood of man.
African Crabs continues in this same vein bringing together divergent fabrics from around the world in this fabric collage. Even in my early pieces, I added 3D pieces of found jewelery or items. An adventure in color for the brave.
I created Together, We All Win for a show with a theme of games. My family was obsessed with football. Of course I thought of the arm action meaning touchdown! The title has a double meaning two things.To win a game, the team needs to work together. The world is a better place when we all work together. Bright and varied African and international inspired fabrics create the body.
Later Works with African Fabrics
African Abstract began with the deep red and green fabric in the center of the piece. It was a challenge to find colors that coordinated with it. Serendippity happened when the fabrics had circles and dots on them. Several bone beads hand sewn on continue the movement.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/african-woman-art-quilt/
Under the Savannah Shade has vibrant oranges, greens and yellows. Decorative threads are zigzagged onto fabric and then cut apart for texture. Quilting with swervy lines from one side of the art quilt to the other adds movement.
In Conclusion
African fabrics bring a unique combination of color, joy, and movement to the textile world. Honor the black experiences by using them in your art quilts.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/
Black Lives Matter
There are several shops on Etsy selling African fabrics.
Here is one.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/kame79
Learning more about African Fabrics
Information is provided by Kitenge a fabric and tailor shop in London.
Did you know that African print fabric (commonly known as ‘Ankara’ in West Africa and ‘Kitenge’ in East Africa) were first produced in Indonesia? As early as the 1800s,West African soldiers serving in Indonesia started to import the fabrics into Africa. Later, European traders replicated the fabrics using modern machinery, particularly the Dutch who are one of the main producers of the fabrics today.
Have you discovered African wax print clothing and would like to learn more? Or would you like to know more about the current market and what is causing African textile mills to close?
Continue reading to find out how you can help support the African textile industry…
Method
The method of producing African wax print fabric is called batik, which is an ancient art form. Melted wax creates designs printed onto the cloth. Then the dye is applied usually using 2 or 3 colors. The wax-resist dyeing technique and special machinery creates the famous crackling effect.
Features & Benefits
The 100% cotton, colourful cloth keeps you cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates. The vibrant and bold anakara fabric prints are fun to wear and make you feel good.
Wearing modern African print clothing can make you stand out in the crowd. Be unique, be different and add some colour to your life!
Hidden Meanings
Tribal patterns and motifs of the wax print fabrics identify each unique African culture . Each design and colour can reflect local traditions and symbols such as the group, marriage and social status of the wearer. Some African women use them as a non-verbal way of communication.
A typical African print fabric shop at a market in Tanzania, East Africa
Current Market
Sadly, several remaining African textile mills are closing and skilled, local workers are losing their jobs. The main reason being that they simply cannot compete with the cheap Asian imports from countries including China and India sold at nearly half the price!
Counterfeit Fabrics over Originals
Locals are purchasing ‘fake’ counterfeit fabrics over ‘original’ African (or European) produced fabrics because of the price difference, which is understandable due to the current economic climate. The original fabrics are usually sought after for special occasions.
The counterfeit fabrics claim they are made in an African or European country on the selvedge! Yet, sadly the trademarks and logos are false.
Quality and Colourfastness
However, the quality and colourfastness of the counterfeit fabrics are inferior to the European and West African produced fabrics. It takes the Chinese 1 to 3 months to copy a new design so speed to market is key for the African and European textile mills to differentiate themselves and compete.
African Governments
African Governments should do more to stop the importation of counterfeit wax print fabrics from Asia before it is too late. Otherwise, the designs of African textile mills will continue to be copied and exploited and the local industry will continue to suffer.
Support Small Businesses
Small businesses like us play our part in supporting the African textile industry by producing high quality, African Wax Print Clothing locally using original fabrics that are made to last.
“The customer feedback we have received about our fabrics overall has been very positive and is one of the main reasons behind our success” (Sian, Kitenge Founder)
Ankara Fabrics
Ankara fabrics are easy to fall in love with due to their bright colours and unique designs. Modern afrocentric clothing designs are stylish and fun to wear. Go bolder as it could transform your life (and your wardrobe). Take a look at our latest Ankara styles.
Please help to share this post on social media to show your support for the African textile industry. Raising awareness of the current market situation is really important for its chance of survival.
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-fabric-of-africa/xwISIFA_fBjSIA
