Yinka Shonibare CBE The African Library Collection: Musicians, 2020 Hardback books, Dutch wax printed cotton textile with gold foiled names, bookshelf and a bespoke card catalogue box Work: 233.7 x 139.7 x 33.7 cm
The African Library is a commemoration of the fight for independence in previous European colonies across the African continent and celebrates the achievements made by Africans since liberation. It consists of an installation of thousands of books covered in the artist’s signature Dutch wax printed cotton textile. As excerpts of the broader library, The African Library Collections focus on contributors from specific disciplines; namely: Musicians, Actors, Sports People, Activists, Business Leaders, Designers, Teachers and Scholars, Filmmakers and Theatre Practitioners. The collections are constituted of approximately 200 books and are presented on a bookshelf with a bespoke card catalogue box.
The Library highlights significant figures from Kwame Nkruma, Ada Udechukwu, Adelaide Tambo to Nelson Mandela, who were all involved in the struggle for independence. The African Library pays particular attention to the role of women who supported the struggle for African emancipation and seeks to present a comprehensive list of those involved in the struggle.
