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Zimo Spiritual Cabinet -
Vukani Cabinet -
Sifiso Shange -
Muhle Muhle, Wooden Power -
Muhle Muhle, Dusty Mornings -
Journeys Server -
Izindlela Zethu Server -
Imbizo Celebration Server
WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring PORTRAIT Kylie-Anne Bowers
Furniture designer Sifiso Shange aims to achieve the perfect blend of African cultural elements and contemporary design in his pieces.
It comes as no surprise that Joburg-based furniture designer Sifiso Shange was chosen as one of Design Indaba’s Emerging Creatives this year. The self-described Afri-Modern designer draws inspiration from African art and cultural heritage to tell stories of pride, honour, excellence, celebration, everyday life experiences and love.
“Afri-Modern is an expressive design and art movement that aims to preserve African culture and produce items that have symbolic meaning,” he says.
Sifiso’s Muhle Muhle collection, comprised of a server, cabinet and coffee table in a range of finishes, is inspired by traditional motifs found in Zulu beadwork. “The motifs express the essence of women through the three elements of mind, body and soul, which relate to the three points of a triangle that represent a woman,” he says.
His latest piece is a server he named in tribute to Dr Esther Mahlangu, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg in April 2018. “The server is a prime example of Afri-Modern design and art,” says Sifiso, “as it honours and celebrates her excellence with strong Ndebele elements, together with a modern look and feel.”
Follow him on Instagram to keep up to date with his work.
