‘AFRICA CALLING’ curated by Kathy Shenoy (Shake the Dust) & Liezel Strauss (Subject Matter Art) presents to the UK, the best of contemporary African design; from interiors to fashion accessories, opening up markets for creative goods from the continent and enhancing people’s understanding of a contemporary creative Africa.
The first Africa Calling showcase launches this September at Southbank Centre’sAfrica Utopia festival, and is curated by Kathy Shenoy (Shake the Dust) & Liezel Strauss (Subject Matter Art). The show will highlight the work of new and established designers from Africa and the Diaspora, who are challenging ‘African Aesthetics’ and exploring new collaborations and cross-cultural connections.
This inaugural showcase will focus on designers, artists & collaborations from ‘The Southern Tip’ & the UK, and includes a specially commissioned collaboration between upcycled furniture designer Yinka Ilori (UK/Nigeria) and knitwear designerLaduma Ngxokolo (South Africa). Other exhibitors include graphic artist Lakwena Maciver (UK/Uganda), the woven vessels of Fair Trade artisan co-operative Gone Rural (Swaziland), spectacular recycled plastic lights by Heath Nash (South Africa), and nature-inspired wallpaper by Clinton Friedman (South Africa).
Wallpaper by Clinton Friedman (left), Chair by Yinka Ilori (right)
As the eyes of the Design community look to Cape Town as World Design Capital in 2014, there are still few opportunities outside the continent for creatives from Africa to participate in, and benefit from, the growth of the global art and design market. Africa Calling, the brainchild of design curator Kathy Shenoy of Shake the Dust, seeks to ensure that artists, artisans and designers are treated equitably and benefit from wider markets.
“We intend to contribute by supporting and connecting artists and designers, particularly emerging creative talent. This talent can be mobilized to enrich the UK and African design scenes – both aesthetically and commercially.”
– Kathy Shenoy, Curator, Africa Calling
There will be a chance over the festival weekend to exercise your own creativity with drop-in recycled design workshops, run by South African designer Heath Nash who is at the fore-front of the British Council’s latest design initiative The Maker Library Network– a mentoring platform that connects young creatives in SA and the UK via a new Open Source network.
Design on textiles by Lakwena Maciver (left), Bottleform light by Heath Nash (right)
Africa Calling then travels to Design Junction for London Design Festival for a debate session on Sunday 21st September which explores pioneering new contemporary design collaborations between Africa and the UK, including the British Council’s Maker Libraries project. Speakers include Designer Heath Nash, Africa Calling curator Kathy Shenoy, South African knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo and Arieta Mujay, founder of the African Creative Collective.
Africa Calling launches as part of Africa Utopia festival
RFH foyer (Level 2), Southbank Centre
12-14 September
Africa Calling Continues at Design Junction
The Sorting Office
21-23 New Oxford Street
18 – 21 September
(Africa Calling panel debate takes place at 1.30pm, 21 September)
For further information visit www.africacalling.co.uk or contact info@africacalling.co.uk
