Talking With Textiles

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday March 1, 2008

with ILSA CUNNINGHAM

Imagine living in a largely illiterate country with little hope of getting an education.

How would you communicate?

In Africa they use their bodies as a billboard. Swathed in colourful fabrics, some with messages and others with simple designs, this is their outlet for self-expression.

Some of these forms of communication have been captured in the touring exhibition Walala Wasala: The Fabric of African Politics, now showing at the Wollongong City Gallery.

The colourful exhibition features 75 textiles from 16 regions of eastern and southern Africa, and is quite an eye-opener according to gallery education and public programs manager Vivian Vidulich.

The exhibition charts the history of a diverse continent, from the evolution of trade textiles in the 19th century, to the emergence of indigenous political parties in the era of independence and beyond.

In the early days colourful cloth was exchanged with European and Asian traders, who regarded the textiles as quite prestigious.

But after World War II, the textile design changed dramatically.

With the emergence of African nationalist movements, textiles became increasingly politicised. People were encouraged to wear T-shirts and skirts emblazoned with party colours and slogans.

Instead of using slogans for purely decorative purposes as in the West, the Africans used slogans to communicate a point of view or allegiance.

African political leader Nelson Mandela is portrayed in the exhibition as a hero, for his commitment to creating better living conditions for the people.

The exhibition also showcases everyday life - the struggle to find fresh water, and contemporary issues like the AIDS epidemic and the use of contraception, Vidulich explains.

"Regardless of imagery, the sheer pattern and colour is captivating," Vidulich says.

Some of the exhibition consists of traditional cloths and designs, mixed with contemporary textiles worn by everyone in the village.

Others are heavily beaded and embroidered wall hangings and quilts.

Not all influences on the textiles come from within the African countries.

In the contemporary works there is the introduction of modern Western influences like mobile phones, electricity and contraception.

Prominent people also feature prominently, like Princess Diana (for her aid work), United States President George Bush and terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden.

Vidulich says the public's response to the exhibition has been overwhelming.

Instead of appealing just to young people because of the colourful, contemporary nature of the exhibition, many older people and ex-South Africans have been checking it out as well.

The exhibition also includes a video showcasing singing from varying African regions and examples of weaving garments, which has been popular with young people.

Walala Wasala: The Fabric of African Politics will be on display until May 4.