Designing Dynamism
Kuba Textiles from the D R Congo, The Wesley Mancini Collection
Will be published approx. on 23. February 2026
Book
Hardback
96 pages
978-1-913875-89-3 (ISBN)
Description
The textiles of the Kuba kingdom
(now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), represent the most intact and cohesive
tradition in the region, and are exceptional for their artistic calibre,
graphic sophistication, and complexity of style. The written story of Kuba
cloth begins with encounters in the early 16th century between the coastal Congo
kingdoms and European explorers who were impressed by the elegance and
intricacy of Congo weaving. In the early 20th century the Kuba improvisational
abstract aesthetic captivated the Western avant-garde, influencing fashion,
fabric design, and the decorative arts.
In addition to presenting full
colour plates of up to 50 pieces, Designing Dynamism features
illustrations of modern European textiles, contemporary woven Wesley Mancini fabrics, a main essay on Kuba design and its influence on modern and contemporary designers and an essay by Stephen Burks, the only African American to have won the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design
Award in Product Design. A brief illustrated section focuses on the raised embroidery technique in detail.
(now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), represent the most intact and cohesive
tradition in the region, and are exceptional for their artistic calibre,
graphic sophistication, and complexity of style. The written story of Kuba
cloth begins with encounters in the early 16th century between the coastal Congo
kingdoms and European explorers who were impressed by the elegance and
intricacy of Congo weaving. In the early 20th century the Kuba improvisational
abstract aesthetic captivated the Western avant-garde, influencing fashion,
fabric design, and the decorative arts.
In addition to presenting full
colour plates of up to 50 pieces, Designing Dynamism features
illustrations of modern European textiles, contemporary woven Wesley Mancini fabrics, a main essay on Kuba design and its influence on modern and contemporary designers and an essay by Stephen Burks, the only African American to have won the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design
Award in Product Design. A brief illustrated section focuses on the raised embroidery technique in detail.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Illustrations; Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 217 mm
Width: 270 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
614 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-913875-89-3 (9781913875893)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Vanessa Drake Moraga is an independent researcher, curator and writer specializing in the textile arts. She is the co-author of African Textiles (2022).
Annie Carlano is senior Curator of Craft, Design & Fashion at The Mint Museum, NC.
Stephen Burks is an award-winning designer and a professor of architecture at Columbia University.
Joel Smeltzer is the head of School and Gallery Programs at The Mint Museum, NC.
Content
Foreword by Todd A. Herman, PhD and Annie Carlano
Sponsor Statement
Designing Dynamism: The Past, Present, and Future of Kuba Textiles by Stephen Burks
Patterns of Influence: Kuba Textile Art as Inspiration in Twentieth-Century Design by Vanessa Drake Moraga
Illustrations by Joel Smeltzer
Plates
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Image Credits
Sponsor Statement
Designing Dynamism: The Past, Present, and Future of Kuba Textiles by Stephen Burks
Patterns of Influence: Kuba Textile Art as Inspiration in Twentieth-Century Design by Vanessa Drake Moraga
Illustrations by Joel Smeltzer
Plates
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Image Credits