ATLANTA, GEORGIA – The Savannah College of Art and Design is proud to present the Imane Ayissi exhibition: From Africa to the World , which opens on Wednesday, September 18 at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta.
Organized by Rafael Gomes, creative director of SCAD FASH, From Africa to the World This is the first museum exhibition to pay tribute to the work of Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi. For over twenty years, Imane Ayissi has been showcasing Africa's sartorial heritage on the international stage, thanks to innovative creations that challenge the world of Western haute couture.
The exhibition presents over 40 iconic creations, interpreting the beauty and diversity of the African continent while questioning its role in understanding global luxury. Designer Imane Ayissi's creations are primarily composed of fine African textiles such as handwoven Kente from Ghana, Obom bark from Cameroon, and Faso Dan Fani from Burkina Faso. The designer's strength lies in his elegant blending of these fabrics with silk from Lyon and natural fibers, including raffia from Madagascar, as well as other sustainable materials. By adapting African aesthetic traditions to contemporary silhouettes, Imane Ayissi explores lost continental histories while embodying the current cultural movement that celebrates a contemporary African context through art, design, and music.
“We are honored to highlight Imane Ayissi at SCAD FASH in his first solo museum exhibition – a celebration of his contributions to fashion and his elevation of traditional African textiles into the luxury space. It is incredible what he has accomplished globally, showcasing Africa’s culturally rich textile and sartorial heritage on the international stage, and we are delighted to bring his singular artistry to SCAD students and the community.”
RAFAEL GOMES | Creative Director of SCAD FASH
Imane Ayissi: From Africa to the World is on display from September 18, 2024 to February 23, 2025 at SCAD FASH Atlanta. For more information, visit scadfash.org.
