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© 2023, Prudence Mekongue
TOWN CRIER
Graduate Collection | 2021
Featured in Mass Exodus 2022, AfroFest Toronto 2022, and Bimbia: The Point Of No Return exhibition
Sponsored by International Dressers, Four Seasons Fur Co. Ltd., Fur Council of Canada
My Town Crier collection is inspired by lived experiences, cultural heritage and the history of injustice in Africa and worldwide. This body of work employs distanciation and highlights the necessity of taking a step back to observe, research and understand history. Nevertheless, I want my designs to have a direct impact on the world by not only engaging others intellectually and also through the senses.
Listening to James Baldwin's speeches and interviews and reading some of his books put me on a journey of self-discovery. This prompted me to create a project that parallels the dissemination of information between a West African Town Crier and James Baldwin’s works. Humans have to take the initiative to research our history. Our sense of self stems from our identity, which is embedded in our history because, as Baldwin says, “our history is our presence.”
Listening to James Baldwin's speeches and interviews and reading some of his books put me on a journey of self-discovery. This prompted me to create a project that parallels the dissemination of information between a West African Town Crier and James Baldwin’s works. Humans have to take the initiative to research our history. Our sense of self stems from our identity, which is embedded in our history because, as Baldwin says, “our history is our presence.”
From the Mass Exodus 2021 fashion show, modelled by Lenique Jervis
INSPIRATION & PROCESS
The Griot
The Folklore
The Oral History
The Tradition
The Elephant Mask
The Town Crier
LOOK 1
The James Baldwin DressSilk Velvet, Bead Embroidery, Crinoline, Fur
Fur sponsored by Four Seasons Fur Co. Ltd.
BURIAL CEREMONIES IN WEST AFRICA
Picture of the deceased is usually printed on the Center Front or Center Back of the the t-shirts worn. These t-shirts subsequently become an essential part of cultural events and represent once affiliation and endearment to the deceased. Hence everytime these t-shirts are worn, some form of awareness is created.
James Baldwin, photographed by Stephan Shames
LOOK 2
The Ruched Coin Dress & Leo Fur JacketLeather, Quilt, Wax Print, Ruched, Fur
Fur sponsored by Four Seasons Fur Co. Ltd.
LOOK 3
The Wrapper Dress and James Baldwin Fur JacketWax Print, Fur
Fur sponsored by Four Seasons Fur Co. Ltd.
LOOK 4
The Elephant DressWax Print, Crinoline, Cowries, Upcycles Rhinestones, Tulle
LOOK 5
The Bubble Coat and Bullette DressSuper Wax Print, Crinoline
