High-Life Generator Orchestra

Product Developer(s)
Lotte van Dijk
Techniques
Weaving

Karo Akpokiere's graphic illustrations are well suited to conversion to jacquard fabrics. ‘High-Life Generator Orchestra’ is from the ‘Lagos Drawings’ series, which is inspired by the pop culture of Lagos, Nigeria.

In ‘Lagos Drawings’, Akpokiere considered how the language of graphic design, advertising and religion in Lagos can be used to comment on contemporary realities in the city. Specifically, ‘High-Life Generator Orchestra’ offers a satirical take on the heavy use of petrol and diesel generators as a primary source of electricity and the noise and air pollution they generate.

Photos: Josefina Eikenaar

Photos: Josefina Eikenaar

The highly collaborative process started with Akpokiere sharing the backstory of the artwork with product developer Lotte van Dijk. Together, they explored the best way to amplify the work’s narrative, choosing the most appropriate yarns, weaves and colours for each section. It was much like tearing down a building, being confronted with its core (the foundation) and then building it back up with new materials. Part of the process that stood out for Akpokiere was discovering how to create an illusion of colour by combining different yarns. For this project, a mix of synthetic and natural yarns were selected. In some areas, texture was created using historic weaves from Tilburg’s former Textile School, giving the conductor’s suit an interesting pattern and enhancing the billowing exhaust fumes.

Photo: Josefina Eikenaar

Photo: Josefina Eikenaar

Photo: Henning Rogge

Photo: Henning Rogge

To be seen in

Textile now – each thread tells a story

9 June 2023 to 30 September 2023