The African Library

Yinka Shonibare CBE RA
The African Library, 2018
6000 hardback books, Dutch wax printed cotton textile, gold foiled names and website
Variable Dimensions

The African Library is a commemoration to those who played a significant role in the African independence movements. The installation consists of thousands of books covered in the artist’s signature Dutch wax fabrics, with the names of notable figures from the continent’s past and present printed on the book spines. Highlighted are those who supported and fought for independence whilst other books bear the names of preeminent Africans who have helped shape the continent’s modern identity since self-rule. These names include the heads of state, both good and bad, and the names of Africans both on the continent and from the diaspora, who have made consequential contributions to aspects of African life.