Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 41 May 2019 | Página 62

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reinterpreting vernacular craft forms for a contemporary age,’ she
says. ‘Their attention to detail, craftsmanship and level of execution
are impeccable, making an encounter with their work a moving,
emotional experience.’
For example, she says, the ‘inherent playfulness’ of Hefer’s work
belies the ‘depth of his thinking, and the research and evolution that
underpins every piece.’
Hot on their heels …
Following hot on these heels is an even younger generation. Six
young South Africans recently returned triumphant from Milan’s
annual Design Week. Supported by Nando’s Design Programme,
creative director Tracy Lee Lynch described it as a roaring success
with ‘an incredible response by overseas media and visitors. Our
bold South African aesthetic and powerful inclusion of craft was truly
celebrated. This aspect of our design elevated the curated pieces
and created the opportunity to share personal stories relating to our
diverse culture.’
She says design has the power to connect people and to challenge
perceptions. ‘To see this happening on the stand was the most
powerful experience.’
She, too, has seen our local design growing on the world stage.
‘There’s tangible evidence of a dynamic, layered culture filtering up
in what’s being created here at home. These emerging designers
are passionate about telling that unique story. And how they tell that
story is often through collaboration with crafters and other makers.
Often a piece reflects so much more than just one person’s ideas or
responses. It’s perhaps why, when works travel from South Africa,
they get the response they get – because they feel as if they’re a
whole universe in one piece,’ Lynch says.
‘There’s so much inspiration here that isn’t cookie cutter, that isn’t
very safe.’
Dokter and Misses
1 2
3 4
5 6
1. Agrippa | 2. Lula's Clan | 3. Mash T | 4. Candice, Modern Gestures
5. NINEVITES, Nkuli Mlangeni | 6. Nkuli Mlangeni, Mpho Vackier and
Thabisa Mjo, Sacrosanct