Yinka Shonibare CBE RA The African Library Collection: Philosophers, 2022 Approximately 225 Hardback books, Dutch wax printed cotton textile, gold foiled names, bookcase, bespoke card catalogue box : 248.9 x 101.6 x 33.7 cm
The African Library is a commemoration of the fight for independence across the African continent. The installation includes hardback books covered in Dutch wax printed cotton textile. Along the spines of many of these books are printed the names of notable figures from the continent’s past and present. Highlighted are those who supported and fought for independence, including Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Amilcar Cabral, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Taytu Betul and Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. Other books have the names of preeminent Africans who since self-governance have helped to shape the modern identity of the continent.
The African Library is inspired by the emancipation of the African continent and the changes which have taken place since the departures of the ruling European powers. It also looks at the ways the continent continues to try and shake off the colonial legacies and emerge as a modern self-governed continent. This part of the installation highlights the aspirations of various philosophers to peacefully create a new, independent and unified Africa.
