THE AMERICAN LIBRARY COLLECTION (ACTIVISTS) 2018

Yinka Shonibare's, 'The American Library Collection (Activists)' presents shelves lined with books covered in vibrant African wax cloth. These textiles, though often associated with Africa, are in fact Dutch-made, Indonesian-inspired, and sold primarily in West Africa. Shonibare uses this fabric as a metaphor for the complexities of cultural identity and the fluidity of cultural symbols. The textile echoes the figures depicted in Renaissance paintings adorned with rich drapery, evoking a sense of opulence and status. But the ‘African’ fabric introduces a twist, questioning notions of authenticity and origin. The act of naming books after activists is a powerful gesture. These names serve as symbolic representations of resistance, echoing the countless nameless individuals who have fought for social justice. The books, cloaked in multi-layered fabric, reflect the complex and interconnected nature of activism itself.