Porky Hefer’s Molecules Collection

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Hayden Phipps

Cape Town-based gallery Southern Guild is heading to Design Miami 2019 with a bold new offering, including the Molecules collection by acclaimed South African designer Porky Hefer.

The new collection of hanging leather pods will form the gallery booth’s centrepiece. The series comprises three large suspended orbs with titles that allude to the chemical compounds they represent; Dihydrogen Monoxide, Fluoroheliate Monoxide and Hydrogen Difluoride. The orbs, which are dressed in brightly-coloured leather, a nod towards the international colour codes all atoms are known by (white for hydrogen, red for oxygen, green for chlorine), were manufactured by Cape Town-based leather artisans Wolf & Maiden. Inside, a soft and inviting interior beckons viewers to climb inside.

Molecules reveals Porky’s fascination with the reactions and energy a piece can generate in empty space. Inspired by the fact that molecules are made up of atoms held together by chemical bonds that form as a result of the sharing or exchange of electrons, the artist encourages viewers to explore the complex bond of human connection, one that goes beyond the one between people and deeper into the natural world.

Southern Guild will showcase 13 never-before-seen works that encompass energetic colourways, forms of the future and attention-commanding shapes. Along with Porky’s Molecules, you can expect to see collectible furniture, kinetic lighting, sculpture and large-scale ceramics by Dokter and Misses, Rich Mnisi, Andile Dyalvane, Justine Mahoney, MAK with NØDE, NØDE, Madoda Fani and Zizipho Poswa.

Design Miami 2019 runs from 3 – 8 December 2019. For more information, visit southernguild.co.za.