A silk scarf that tells stories
In cooperation with the Iwalewahaus of the University of Bayreuth an exclusive silk scarf was created. Available in the Uni-Shop!
Motifs, composition and material tell stories: The exclusive silk scarf, available in the university store in the refectory as well as in the Iwalewahaus store, is a tribute to the artistic exploration of the Iwalewahaus textile collection and the textile cultural heritage of Upper Franconia. The design comes from the internationally successful designer and fashion designer Emeka Alams, who has been associated with the Iwalewahaus of the University of Bayreuth for years. Fair and in limited edition the scarf was produced by the Upper Franconian traditional company FRAAS.
The Iwalewahaus as part of the University of Bayreuth is a place for the production and presentation of discourse-oriented contemporary art. Through exhibitions, university research and teaching, collections, archives, artist residencies and events, the latest developments in contemporary African culture are presented and further developed in collaboration with artists and institutions. Often this engagement takes place with the diverse collections of the Iwalewahaus - such as historical and contemporary fabrics, textiles and fashion.
The name "Iwale-wa" comes from Yorùbá, an African language spoken primarily in Nigeria, and means "character is beauty." "Character is beauty" is reflected in the design of Emeka Alams' scarf: the artist picks up motifs from collectors' items and combines them in new ways.
Emeka Alams was born in Nigeria, raised in the U.S. and is the designer of the highly acclaimed fashion line, Gold Coast Trading Co. He considers himself a visionary artist who sees in his work a universal symbolism, African cultures, art and spirituality as the starting point for an aesthetic beyond identitarian boundaries. He has accompanied the Iwalewahauses for many years, and continues to be closely associated with it.
Emeka's lines and prints are inspired by his Nigerian roots, which are often the subject of his work. He brings new perspectives to high-end streetwear and design, reinforced by his West African culture.
The exclusive silk scarf is available in two colors, 88x88 cm, packed in a high quality black gift box and costs 49,50€. Maybe the perfect Christmas gift this year? The scarf is available in the Iwalewahaus as well as on the campus of the University of Bayreuth in the upper area of the Mensa. The opening hours of the stores - where you can also find many other textiles, cups, bags, etc. - can be found online: www.uni-bayreuth.de/uni-shop and www.iwalewahaus.uni-bayreuth.de.
Tanja HeinleinHead of Marketing Communications
Universität Bayreuth
Department Press, Marketing and Communications
Central University Administration (ZUV), Room 3.07
Universitätsstraße 30
D-95447 Bayreuth
Tel.: +49 921 / 55-5317
E-Mail: tanja.heinlein@uni-bayreuth.de