“I accessed information unavailable to me in English and or in the US/ UK at both the Audax library and the library at Leiden University. I certainly would not have encountered these research materials without the OAZO residency.”
Imani Wilson holds a BA in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an MA in African Arts and Aesthetics from SOAS University of London. Wilson is a writer and cultural critic with a special interest in music, culinary arts, faith traditions, fashion and visual culture. In her work as an independent scholar Wilson has conducted extensive research on global African arts, culture and religion in Morocco, Egypt, Cuba, Brazil, Angola, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans, Holland and the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Her publications include cover stories and features in Art International, Vibe and Essence as well as anthologized creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently Wilson is Program Director at the Music Department of the Harlem School of the Arts.
During her residency Wilson conducted research on Real Dutch Wax Print also know as Véritable Wax Hollandais; the famous imitation batik made in Holland that is often seen as an ‘African’ fabric. She researched how this fabric has influenced the fashion - and streetscape in West- and Central Africa, The Netherlands and beyond by visiting Vlisco in Helmond, The TextielMuseum in Tilburg and the African Studies Centre in Leiden. Her research will culminate in a book and several articles. Next to her research Wilson collaborated with Face2Face/NoLIMIT and was guest of honour at the Fashion Battle organized by fashion, design and art platform MAFB during Metro54 festival.
