FOLLOWING on the Monstera Deliciosa show by Porky Hefer, Southern Guild now brings a group exhibition of tantalising designs to its Cape Town gallery. Graphica introduces some collectible design pieces not yet seen in South Africa, despite having been exhibited by the gallery at international fairs such as Design Miami in both Basel and Miami, and Design Days Dubai.
Exhibiting artists include Atang Tshikare, Babacar Niang, Brett Murray, Bronze Age, Daniella Mooney, David Krynauw, Dokter and Misses, Driaan Claassen, Gavin Elder, Gregor Jenkin, Guy du Toit, Kerri Evans with Paco Pakdoust, Koop, Laurie Wiid van Heerden with Ceramic Matters, Madoda Fani, Porky Hefer, Rodan Kane Hart, Pieter Henning and Xandre Kriel.
Graphica is running until July 1. The show is “a visual feast of dynamic silhouettes and exquisite surface detailing”, explains Southern Guild founder Trevyn McGowan. A Wiid Design bench hand-drawn by Ceramic Matters to resemble a tattoo, the Kassena Isibheqe cabinet and writing desk by Dokter and Misses, referencing a modern-day script to unite African languages, and Madoda Fani ceramic vessels decorated with armour-like patterning are some of the pieces to look out for in this exhibition.
“There’s a strong African aesthetic to these works,” adds partner Julian McGowan, “and visitors can expect this to be complemented by a dramatic reworking of the gallery space.” Expect newly painted, moody walls and dark finishes.
Adds McGowan: “Southern Guild is forging ahead with repositioning design work as investment pieces in this country. In the same way that art is collected by top buyers and museums, our South African designers are beginning to make waves, with collectors understanding the global significance of Africa and its designer-makers.”
Southern Guild products are currently on show at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s Beauty – Cooper Hewitt Design Triennale in New York, and have been acquired by Australia’s National Gallery of Victoria, confirming that South African designers are being sought by some of the biggest collectors in the world.
The Southern Guild Gallery is at 10 Lewin Street. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm; and Saturday by appointment.
l 021 461 2865/2097, www.south ernguild.co.za