The new Museum of African Design (MOAD) in Maboneng opened with the jaw-dropping annual Southern Guild exhibition, but where to from here? We sat down with museum director Aaron Kohn, a New Yorker who has travelled the continent more extensively than most of us, also known for his online magazine and shop, African Lookbook.
How did you get involved in MOAD?
When I was a visiting student at Wits, I ended up spending time in Maboneng and I came across the project. African Lookbook was meant to play a role in the museum, with the possibility of a shop in the building, but that turned into something much bigger.
What is your vision for MOAD?
The vision is for it to be a space that explores the rest of the continent, through design and innovation. There are going to be a lot of unique concepts, new to Joburg and also new to museums – a cocktail bar, an event space and live concerts, for instance.
What do you think of the world’s perception of Africa and South Africa?
I still get people asking me if the objects they collected on safari could be displayed in the museum! So it’s going to be fun to showcase cutting-edge African designers.
Southern Guild’s efforts are really fantastic, don’t you think?
Yes! Opening with Southern Guild was successful because of how exciting the content is. South Africans still need more exposure to local design – it’s a shame that so much design is imported from overseas when there are amazing local studios.
