Fabric Becoming Art
Colour, colour, and more colour. One of the first things I noticed when we arrived in Tanzania one year ago was the abundance of colour everywhere. From the blue sky and the myriad of green and brown shades in nature to the vibrant Kitenge dresses worn by women, Tanzania is a feast for the eyes.
What is Kitenge Fabric?
Kitenge (also known as Chitenge) is a colourful fabric commonly worn in East, West, and Central Africa. It features bold, vibrant patterns and is often used to make clothing and accessories. The intricate designs and rich colours of Kitenge fabric make it an excellent addition to watercolor and mixed media art.
Using Kitenge Fabric in My Art
Incorporating Kitenge fabric into watercolor and mixed media art adds texture, depth, and cultural richness, creating an unexpected element in a painting. The Swahili phrase "Penye nia ipo njia," meaning "Where there's a will, there's a way," perfectly captures my journey in integrating this fabric into my artwork.
I was inspired to start a new art collection featuring Kitenge fabric. After searching everywhere for small pieces of this fabric and nearly giving up, I stumbled upon a tailor in Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar. He was willing to sell me some scraps at a slightly inflated price, but I finally had what I needed to start dreaming and creating!
How Can Fabrics Be Used in Art?
Collage: Adhere fabric scraps onto watercolor paper using cold glue.
Texture and Patterns: Paint over the fabric and then remove it to reveal imprinted patterns.
Fabric Embellishments: Sew or glue fabric onto a watercolor painting as an embellishment.
Backgrounds and Borders: Use fabric as a background or border for your painting, either before starting or after finishing.
I primarily use Kitenge fabric to create female figures, portraying women engaged in various daily activities. My next goal is to incorporate the fabric into landscapes, such as trees or the sky. I also think it will be fascinating to use Kitenge in abstract art, combining it with watercolor or acrylic paints for a modern and textured piece.
Using Kitenge fabric brings a unique blend of texture, colour, and cultural significance to art. I am also planning to explore the use of Shweshwe fabric, which originated in South Africa. Shweshwe fabric features smaller designs that will work well on smaller surfaces. Combining different fabrics into my art has opened a new world of fun and opportunity. More to follow…
