Tatiana Etienne’s SPINE Collection in Joburg

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring

French designer and artist Tatiana Etienne’s first furniture collection, SPINE, is inspired by the human spinal cord.

SPINE is not just another furniture collection. It is the physical manifestation of visual artist Mambu Bayoh’s striking photographs, as interpreted by Tatiana Etienne into functional sculptures. More than that, it’s a collection that reflects the people and cultures of Africa and the human form.

“When I started my research,” says Tatiana, “I was fascinated by the importance and significance of the spine in different cultures.” For example, on a trip to Sierra Leone last year, she was struck by the pride and elegance with which people carried themselves.

Born and raised in the Caribbean, Tatiana has also spent time in Lebanon and Canada and now lives in Paris. She believes her current aesthetic “is a subtle blend of all these cultures”.

After working as an interior architect under famed French furniture designer Christian Liaigre for many years, she decided to create an independent collection. “Christian Liaigre remains, for me, one of the most talented designers of our time. Working with him taught me the meaning of simplicity, elegance and, most importantly, attention to detail,” says Tatiana. “This experience helped me to define my artistic identity.”

It was her love of our continent, however, that convinced her to have her pieces produced and first exhibited in South Africa – in Cape Town and now, Johannesburg – before taking the exhibition to the USA and Europe.

From lamps to solid tables, this collection is a true exploration of the human form through furniture design.

Watch a video of how this collaboration was inspired, here.

Don’t miss Tatiana Etienne’s second edition of her SPINE exhibition at 100% Design South Africa at Decorex in Joburg from 6 to 10 August 2015.