Art Planters: Indigenus

WORDS Amelia Brown PHOTOS Mark Williams

Since its launch in 2014, Indigenus has garnered local acclaim with its functional-art planters and design-forward collaborations; and the brand is blooming globally, too.

“My primary inspiration is a love of making beautiful things,” says Indigenus founder Peter van der Post. “I had a business making industrial products and I hated that they weren’t beautiful. I wanted to make things I would be proud of.”

With this guiding principle, Indigenus has collaborated with the likes of Stefan Antoni and Greg Truen of SAOTA, Andile Dyalvane, Laurie Wiid van Heerden, Haldane Martin and Gregor Jenkin. “I saw how top European brands collaborated with some of the best designers to make amazingly beautiful products,” says Peter.

Soma by Laurie Wiid van Heerden

“I believe those designers are no better than ours; in fact, I think ours are ahead in many respects.” The positive response to the brand’s DNA of “African soulfulness” has given Peter the confidence to take risks, like with the Bhaca planters designed by artist Andile Dyalvane. “Some felt the design might be too avant-garde for planters, but they’ve been well received everywhere.”

Bhaca by Andile Dyalvane

Peter credits the brand’s commitment to quality for its growing success, from the quality of its collaboration with designers to the artisans who make the planters, down to the quality of the styling and photography for marketing purposes.

After fulfilling orders for two luxury hospitality refurbs in Dubai and Mauritius in 2016 and 2017, Indigenus broke into the Middle East market and now has high-end distributors in Asia, Australia, Europe, the UK and North America.

The team are currently developing an adaption of the Tuber planters, designed by Haldane Martin, this time made out of glass-reinforced concrete. But Peter has his sights set on growing the range to include lighting using natural materials and the same principles.

For more information, visit indigenus.co.za.