Kagomenda

This illustration is inspired by designer/artist Serge Mouangue. His African Kimono series blends West African and Japanese styling. As an African-American woman who admires Japanese culture Kagomenda is my artistic representation of one of his garments. In addition, Katsushika Hokusai’s well-known artwork, The Great Wave at Kanagawa, was also an inspiration.

The title of this illustration joins Kagoshima, Japan and Bamenda, Cameroon, the places I once believed the two artists were born. I’ve since learned they likely came from elsewhere, but I kept the name because I like the sound of it.