Fabric work on migration displayed in Jamaica
BY TAMMY SCILEPPI
It’s a culture of migration.
And globalism defines
today’s world. Its multi-ethnic
appeal is interwoven into
everything from contemporary
artwork to the food we eat,
the clothes we wear and even
modern home décor. It’s as
evident in the arts as it is in
our sizzling political climate.
Nigeria native and Queensbased
textile artist Anthonia
Akinbola, got the help she
needed so she could pursue
her artistic endeavors, thanks
to Queens Council on the Arts.
Her incredible, 90 by 45 framed
batik direct application fabric
painting, on the “Culture of
Migration,” is a must-see and
will be presented by Jamaica
Center for Arts and Learning
(JCAL) – at 161-04 Jamaica
Ave. – on Aug. 30 and can be
viewed through Sept. 7.
Indian novelist Salman
Rushdie has written a lot about
“The whole story of migration
and what that has done in
interconnecting the planet.”
His global sensibility is
something that Akinbola
seems to share as a tough
immigrant and an artist
whose work tells the story of
migration – from her point
of view.
“Migration is the movement
of people from one place to the
other for the reason best know
sic to the migrants… mostly
to seek a greener pasture.
Basically, I choose this theme
to educate people in general,
many attributes brought by
the immigrants in making
America an enviable place
that people want to migrate
to,” Akinbola explained.
“Also, immigrants should
not see themselves as usurpers
but to see themselves as part of
good things in the development
of their new abode. I also seize
the opportunity to appreciate
our African brothers and
sisters who were brought 400
years ago. Reading the stories
and the endurance taken to be
part of building this beautiful
country, I raise my hat.”
She continued: “Above
all, the attributes brought by
immigrants making America
an enviable place to migrate
to should be preserved, and
let it overshadow the not too
impressive attributes that
gives immigrants bad names.”
Describing her artistic
technique, Akinbola said, “I
basically paint with dyes not
only as wall paintings but also
on wearables. To start, I pick
my fabric which is natural
fiber. I then make a sketch
before transferring it on the
fabric. Now, if am using silk,
I may choose not to use wax;
instead, I can settle for water
soluble paste which I often
use for workshops, especially
if am working with seniors
and kids because it is odorless
and safe.”
For this project, she worked
with 100 percent middle
weight fabric and paraffin
wax. “After the transference
of the design on the fabric I
melt my wax in a temperatureregulated
skillet. The purpose
of using the melted wax is to
resist some area from dyes
penetration sic. After that,
I apply the dyes according to
my color study as mistakes
are not easily reversed,”
she explained.
Read more at QNS.com.
Wearable “art” by Anthonia Akinbola
Tues. & Wed. $1895
1 1/4 lb. Lobster, Clams, and Mussels
Served with Corn on the Cob
and Baked Potato
with Purchase of 2 Cocktails,
2 Wines or 2 Beers
TIMESLEDGER,32 AUG. 30-SEPT. 5, 2019 QNS.COM
/QNS.com
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