Book Cover Project

Updated: Oct 17, 2020

DXB202_2018se2: IMAGE PRODUCTION

Group members: Yi-Shan Chen, Joel Ashny, Mario Mendez

Introduction

Throughout this semester, our group decided to read and analyse the feature novel, Half A Yellow Sun, written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A reciepient of many highly-esteemed rewards, Half A Yellow Sun has been heralded as a seminal recreation of a post-colonial Nigeria.

Throughout the novel there were many intuitive themes which have been highly credited towards the books brilliance. Exploring how many African cultures maintain identity in the modern world, the book provides an intuative glance at the cross-roads Nigeria is at in trying to assimilate cultural tradition with a modern way of life. This was repeatedly symbolised through many different traditional artefacts, most namely the Igbo Ukwu rope pot.

A follow-on affect for this battle of balance for cultural and national identity is also reflected in the individuals search for personal identity. Questioning the idea of love and relationships throughout the greater community, the main chracters of the book are restless in their personal roles throughout society, as the clash of the old and new ways becomes tangible throughout their generation.

The catalyst for such national and individual conflict is heavily referred to in the novel as the Biafran War, which rocked Nigeria to it’s core from the late 60’s to early 70’s. Heavily symbolising the identity dissensions of Nigeria at the time, many issues that were a cause of the war still ring true in contemporary times.

As such, we as a group, have looked to explore these themes that are canon throughout novel and to try and reflect them in our development of the book cover. Experimentation of these themes are seen throughout this particular zine.