Kitenga

A Work-In-Progress

KITENGA, a mix of Kitenge and Kanga, researches and explores the phenomenon of the disappearing textiles from West and East African (and other African) countries like Asho Oke and Okene (Yoruba, Nigeria), Kente (Ashanti, Ghana), Kereke Woven Tapestry (Niger) or Bokolonfini (Bambara, Mali), Kanga (Kenya, Tanzania etc).

The introduction and adoption of the Dutch wax print (popularly called Kitenge, Chitenge or Ankara) and Austrian or Swiss embroidered fabrics (also called Lace) shows the extent of the influence of globalisation, industrialisation and capitalism while questioning perceptions of tradition and authenticity. Redefining Hyper-Identity in the 4th industrial revolution, the installation highlights our notions of original and adopted identity, while questioning what is real or not. Above Image: sample Projection Mapping.

The project investigates and re-thinks the social - cultural importance of these Fabric to African countries) while also documenting the transition from totally hand made African fabric to the current use of Textile mills.

The project explores Internet of Things (IOT) and the increasing possible to make objects, structures, buildings (and the city at large) interactive. The project investigates and highlights how fashion, technology, art and the the fabric of the city can become interwoven and interactive in African cities. with the use IOT and Electronics.