I really enjoyed reading this book from the first letter to the last.
Together with excellent photos the book is organized in the chapters: Preface, Bold New Voices, Sensitive Structures, Tasteful Encounters, Beyond Identity, Global Threads and Index.
In the preface text Lauren Napier wrote: “For the most part, the African design industry is still formal in nature and relies on craft skills, industrial processes, as well as being relatively unavailable, subject to power outages (or lack of power supply altogether), and the transportation infrastructure is inconsistent. It means that African products need to have low production costs and requirements, even when they aim for great impact. Innovation within these parameters is producing sensational work.”
Here the craftsmen, artists and designers and the editors are entitled to a large compliment for the great products that has been made, found, photographed and described.
One can see all possibilities reading this well-made and laid-out book. And I totally agree with the preface’s conclusion: “Craft can be a catalyst for social and economic developments. Equally exhausted and motivated, from working under the burden of misnomers and archaic stereotypes, the creative communities of Africa are ready to overcome this traditional racism and ignorance. They have the strength to start nearly anew; they do not need rescue or a colonizing presence. They are their own salvation and this is in every nuance of their craft. Africa is on the rise.”
I am sure this book can help to connect the makers with the trade and consumers, as the products are original, usable, fresh and well-made.
With architecture, furniture, fashion, textile design, interiors with household attributes and art, the patterns, colours and adornments tickle our imagination shaped between tradition and the future. The pages Challenging Labels introduce the craftsmen and designers as the Index helps the reader to find the names and labels.
So, this book is a must! Read it, see the potential and give the designers a place in our lives. The sun will shine forever and it will put a smile on your face enriching our numb lives.
Angela van der Burght