Conceptual Fabric-Calabash Art Installation on the Beauty and Struggles of African Women

Abstract

Women play an active role in all activities even though they continue to struggle in the society. Artworks have been produced by artists to project the struggles of women in the community. This study highlights the studio-based practice by the practicing artist or the lead author supported by the co-authors to produce conceptual artworks for art installation that carefully adopts her life experiences to depict the beauty and struggles of women in Africa. The study utilizes fabrics (both printed and dyed), nylon cords, stiff fabrics and calabash to artistically represent and express the struggles and beauty concerning the role of women in the African society. The study revealed several philosophical concepts drawn from a butterfly, chameleon, peacock and an eagle to highlight and project the image, struggles and beauty of the African woman through the artist’s life experiences. Individual themes of the artworks seek to share her artistic vision, reflect and project their beauty and struggle of women in Africa. These works were created using appropriate techniques such as gluing using adhesive, hand painting and fabric dyeing to combine materials. The success of the creation process serves as guidelines to practicing artist on how to use textiles coupled with calabash to produce works with concepts from nature to project the beauty and struggles of the African woman.