If you’re a human currently living in this planet – and especially if you’re reading VISI – it’s pretty much guaranteed that the modernist movement has profoundly shaped the way you live. From the buildings you walk past to the chairs you sit on, the art that catches your eye, the books you read and even the device you call your mates on, Modernism’s influence is everywhere.
It’s always been underpinned by one idea: that design can build a better world. And thank goodness for that. It turned the drudgery of industrialisation into a world that embraced the beauty of Abstract Expressionism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Mid-century Modernism, Brutalism, Minimalism, Postmodernism… the list can go on.
So where are we now on the modernist continuum?
Well, it’s definitely bounced back from Postmodernism’s eclectic, playful, often ironic approach. Structure and form have returned – but in these strange and complex times, global design is beginning to increasingly reflect our need for something a little softer. We want authenticity and connection; we want muted colours and curvy shapes along with all that reductionist geometry. Think of it as the melding of Mid-century Modernism and Minimalism.
Mid-century Minimalism is what we’re calling it.
Our features in this issue echo this journey. We kick off with a jaw-dropping Mid-century Modern gem of a home in Pretoria. Trust me and turn to page 84 – you won’t believe it. We then move on to three houses that have recently been beautifully reimagined, skilfully managing that trick of a brief yet respectful nod to the original, while embracing a contemporary reinvention. Finally, we end with a new build in Southern California that perfectly represents the Mid-century Minimalist aesthetic.
Modernism in its architectural form has also had a big influence in Africa, and this issue cannot but include a piece on that. African Modernism has cleverly blended the modernist manifesto with local craftsmanship, traditions and cultural narratives – and architect and lecturer Juliet Kavishe’s insightful piece on the movement’s positive sociopolitical impact on our continent is a must-read on page 76.
As always, we profile some of South Africa’s amazing design talent – like Bonolo Chepape of Lulasclan and Walter Train of White Sheep Studio – and we bring you the highlights of the super-successful third edition of Cape Town Furniture Week, of which VISI is a proud partner. Plus there’s a 28-page special section on bathrooms, if you’re looking to create your dream space. Oh, and there will be oxblood… More about that on page 176.
So much to read. Off you go!
– Steve Smith, Editor | info@visi.co.za
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