Black Thread is an exhibition that bridges West Africa’s ancient textile traditions with contemporary fashion, showcasing how African craftsmanship continues to shape the global aesthetic. Through the visionary work of Marché Noir and Imane Ayissi, alongside the creative direction and exhibition design expertise of Art Comes First, the exhibition explores how traditional materials, patterns, and techniques are transformed into modern, conscious design.

Art Comes First: Exhibition Design & Film Production

ACF played a key role in conceptualizing, designing, and producing the exhibition, ensuring a seamless fusion of historical textiles with modern interpretations. The collective also produced films directed by King Kunta, offering an immersive storytelling experience that brings African craftsmanship to life.

Textiles & Craftsmanship

The exhibition showcases Bogolanfini (Mali), Faso Dan Fani (Burkina Faso), Kente (Ghana), Raffia (Madagascar), Obom (West Africa), and Ndop (Cameroon)—each fabric deeply rooted in cultural identity and traditional techniques.

Sustainability & The Second-Hand Narrative

Founder Amah Ayivi (Marché Noir) integrates second-hand textiles from Agbozume Market (Ghana) into his work, reclaiming vintage pieces for the Global North, while Imane Ayissi transforms heritage fabrics into haute couture.

A Collaborative Cultural Exchange

A project by Ongoing Africa, the exhibition is presented in collaboration with Marché Noir, Art Comes First, Imane Ayissi, Just Africa, and the French Institute in Sweden. It challenges perceptions of African fashion while shedding light on the impact of mass production on local textile industries.

On display at the Museum of World Culture (Oct 10 2020 – April 2021) and the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm, Black Thread redefines African craftsmanship for a global audience.