“The American Library Collection (Designers),” crafted in 2018 by Yinka Shonibare, stands as a contemporary installation artwork. It forms part of Shonibare’s broader oeuvre, which often explores cultural identity, post-colonialism, and globalisation through a multidisciplinary approach.
The artwork is presented as a bookshelf densely packed with books. Each book is bound in vibrantly colored and intricately patterned African wax print fabric. The intention behind the piece is multi-layered, engaging with themes of knowledge, diversity, and design. The lively fabric covers create a stark contrast to traditional book covers, inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface into the histories and narratives each book represents. The bookshelf itself is a simple, white structure, drawing attention to the rich visual tapestry created by the book bindings. This work forms part of a series that exemplifies the artist’s unique method of using textiles to communicate complex socio-political themes.
