Acknowledge the Source

I have mentioned a few times that I am obsessed with The Fader. It is my daily fix. I get excited when I find a fresh new post about creative genius Mobolaji Dawodu. I started watching Behind the Scenes: Mobolaji Does Capsule Tradeshow and I got quite a surprise 35 seconds into the clip.

Monitaly is an Asian based male label whose designs evolve partly around the 1950s classy American look with a Monitaly twist. For their 2012 Spring/Summer collection they have incorporated Ankara print with some of their designs. Now, I am a bit frustrated that I am not seeing enough acknowledgement about their obvious inspiration. I have noticed on Facebook and a number blogs the debate over non-Africans using African prints, copyright, it shouldn’t be allowed, blah blah blah! I don’t really see what the big fuss is. I think the whole issue doesn’t really phase me because I spent years hearing the word ‘APPROPRIATION‘ in visuals arts during secondary school and university. I also had this quote by American film director Jim Jarmusch drummed into my head.

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery — celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from — it’s where you take them to.”

My only issue is the fact that people don’t acknowledge the source. I just think it’s common courtesy to do so. In an article titled ‘Burberry Joins the Ankara Frenzy’ by Chioma Chinweoke for Face2Face Africa I stated that I think…..

“it’s pretty cool seeing non-Africans translating our cultural elements and using it for various applications like fashion and furniture. I think it demonstrates that these elements are accessible to all and not just for Africa. I am just frustrated that at times it is not acknowledged that they were influenced by Africa to create whatever they have created. For example, the whole Adidas thing with naming a shoe ‘Kente’ and suggesting they came up with the name and unique design when clearly it was taken from the traditional handmade Ghanaian fabric. That’s not cool! I am over the whole argument that it’s African and it’s copyright. Stealing and borrowing ideas to make it your own is appropriation. It’s an aspect of art. Big labels like Burberry and Missoni have done a good job of that!”

I just don’t understand why it’s so hard for people to just acknowledge the source!

SOURCE: THE FADER, SELECTISM & FACE2FACE AFRICA