Love yourself. Be yourself.
Nana Ocran is a London-based writer and editor who specialises in contemporary African culture. Under her belt is the Time Out Group's series of guides to Lagos and Abuja (Nana was Editor-in-Chief) along with consulting gigs for established publications on West African culture for the Danish Film Institute, Arts Council England and the Institute of International Visual Arts. Furthermore, Nana was nominated for CNN's African Journalist of the Year in 2011.
A few weeks ago I happened across an interesting exhibition of South African product design and crafts, at the Southbank Centre. I discovered that it had been curated by an agency called Source.
Valuing past, present and future
Source works with over 400 design and craft companies in South Africa to promote South African design in the international marketplace. They work with companies that are not only concerned with producing beautiful handmade objects but that are also concerned with preserving traditional handicraft skills and are conscious of their impact on the environment. These companies span a wide range of media including decorative and tabletop ceramics, glass, baskets, woven textiles, felt, Papier-mâché, wire work, felt, embroidery, beadwork, lighting, furniture and accessories.
Source work with several renowned outlets in the West including Anthropologie (which I love), Bergdorf Goodman, The Conran Shop, Liberty, Urban Outfitters, West Elm and more.
Find out more about Source on their website and check out their design partners.
Images via the Source website
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Recommended posts:
Oftentimes the desire to support African design – and production in general – is there but, the products aren't always very accessible. In this new "Buy African" series, I'll be highlighting various outlets to help you turn your intentions into action.
Continue reading “Buy African: Online Shop Beldi – Celebrating Moroccan Handicraft”
A chair is not just a chair with these gems from my African product design pinboard that are made using mud cloth, wax print and yoruba beading.
Have a comfortable weekend!
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Related posts & other links:
Images: Beaded Yoruba chair, Mudcloth chair, Wax print footstool, Multi-print chairs
In Marrakech's Medina sits Ministero del Gusto, a showroom for one-off furniture, jewel design and vintage fashion, featuring artists from all over the world . As well as a gallery, Ministero del Gusto is a studio that works on house renovations, interior decoration and house planning projects, creating work that is contemporary with a strong Moroccan influence.
Recommended reading:
Don't miss an installment – different ways to get your Afri-love delivered. You can also stay up to date by liking the Afri-love Facebook page or following Afri-love (@afrilove) on Twitter.
I first came across furniture designer Yinka Ilori's work at the African and African- Caribbean Design Diaspora (AACDD) exhibition a couple of months ago. His use of bold colour and pattern drew my eye. I later learned that Yinka specializes in upcycling discarded furniture. Passionately against the unnecessary waste of consumerist culture, Yinka is doing his bit, one piece of furniture at a time. Today, the London-based designer and entrepreneur shares his story.
Continue reading “Interview with furniture designer Yinka Ilori of Yinksdesigns”
The week's art theme continues …
I made it to the AACDD exhibit at the Bargehouse, last week. With African and African-Caribbean artists representing several art and design disciplines (however video and animation were noticeably absent), it's definitely worth a visit. The show is open until the 25th so you still have some time. Visit the Afri-love Facebook page to see more of the pieces that especially caught my eye.
Photos taken on my phone (i.e. they do not do the work justice), with permission of the AACDD.
Top: A beautiful installation inspired by Ethiopian and Eritrean coffee ceremonies – 'Derdja', by Jonathan Hagos
Mid left: Table by Yinka Ilori
Mid right: Dovetail stool by Taslim Martin
Bottom left: By Berjo Mouanga
Bottom right: (if anyone has the name of the artist, please let me know)
Yesterday Mozambique celebrated Independence Day. In honour of the occasion, I'd like to share 2 design projects that were brought to my attention by Afri-love reader, Karen.