ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The Savannah College of Art and Design is proud to present Imane Ayissi : From Africa to the World, opening Wednesday, Sept. 18, at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta. Curated by SCAD FASH creative director Rafael Gomes, From Africa to the World is the first museum exhibition honoring the work of Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi. For more than two decades, Ayissi has amplified the sartorial heritage of Africa on the international stage, innovating garments that challenge the Western-oriented world of haute couture. The exhibition presents more than 40 impeccable creations that interpret the beauty and diversity of Ayissi’s home continent, contextualizing his role within Africa’s larger contributions to fashion while expanding understandings of global luxury. Ayissi’s exquisite garments prominently feature handwoven Kente cloth from Ghana, Obom bark cloth from Cameroon, and Faso Dan Fani cloth from Burkina Faso, elegantly blended with Lyon silk and natural fibers including raffia from Madagascar and other sustainable materials. Casting African aesthetic traditions in contemporary silhouettes, 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 spotlight 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 within the
luxury space. It is incredible what he has accomplished on a global level, showcasing the culturally
rich textile and sartorial heritage of Africa on the international stage, and we are thrilled to bring
his singular artistry to SCAD students and the community.”
RAFAEL GOMES | SCAD FASH creative director
Imane Ayissi : From Africa to the World is on view Sept. 18, 2024–Feb. 23, 2025, at SCAD FASH Atlanta.
For more information, visit scadfash.org.
