Expression of the Ordeals of “kayayie” through Mixed-Media Textile Art

K E Buami ,Karen Howard ,Rejoice Makafui Tsotorvor ,Akosua Amankwah ,K R Seidu

doi:10.7176/ads/89-02

Abstract

The practice of kayayie by young ladies in southern Ghana exposes them to varying difficulties and struggles just to make a living. To bring to the fore such challenges in textile art, the study employed mixed-media materials and techniques to produce art works that communicate their struggles. To achieve the study’s focus, the studio-based practice was exercised supported by the Aesthetico-Action Research model by Cora Marshal. Non-participant observation and unstructured interview were the main instruments used for data collection. The study revealed three major findings. The first set of findings revealed that, super glue is suitable for varieties of materials and has the ability to wet the fabric to give strong bond with high resistance. Un-primed background before painting resulted in more absorption of paint to fill the amorphous areas of the canvas. Cotton fabric is a suitable substrate for producing mixed media textile art works. The project reveals the possibility of producing textile art using materials available in the environment employing combined techniques like assemblage, painting, sewing and applique to communicate a message. The project recommends that vocational training centres should be built to train kayayie and practicing artists as well as students how to use waste materials in the environment to produce textile art. Keyword: Mixed-media, Textile Art, Kayayie, techniques DOI: 10.7176/ADS/89-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Highlights

Textile art is the production of art pieces with textiles
Textile artists employs various techniques to execute works of art using materials like threads and fibres sometimes combining it with paints or dye techniques
This shows how one can use different techniques and materials in a single art piece to achieve its results in mixed media provided the selected technique suit the material in use. It allows the artist a free range of exploration with different media and techniques. Textile artist such as Leisa Rich works in 3D and innovative textile using varied textile materials to create realistic scenes

Summary

Introduction

Textile art is the production of art pieces with textiles. Textile artists employs various techniques to execute works of art using materials like threads and fibres sometimes combining it with paints or dye techniques. Mixed media is an alternative means of expression of oneself and creativity where artist produce their ideas and forms in a unique way It allows immense possibilities and skillful use of wood, metal, yarn, fabric, twine, and other local items in the production of attractive, unique, and functional art piece (Appiah-Ofori, 1991). Gwen Magee combines cement with fabric material to create a textural surface such as walls and ceilings (see Fig. 6) This really shows that varieties of materials have been employed in a single art piece by artists in the field of textile and this gives the platform for this project to experiment the possibilities of materials using the techniques which encourage the textile art production in Ghana.

Materials and Methods

Conclusion