Visitors to the Design Indaba Expo will also be able to view a presentation on the new book The Soho Chronicles: 10 Films By William Kentridge, written by the artist’s brother Matthew Kentridge.

The presentation will take place on 28 February at 3pm at the Events Arena, followed by a book signing.

The book focuses on William Kentridge’s 10 Drawings for Projection (1989- 2011), and will be launched at the Goodman Gallery in Cape Town. The series of films will be presented at The Labia Theatre on the 28 February at 10am.

For launch reservations, email heather@goodman-gallery.com.

The Soho Chronicles: 10 Films by William Kentridge will be available at Design Indaba at the Book.exChange area on the Expo floor, as well as in selected international museums and bookstores.

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This Design Indaba project consists of five African art collective groups from Angola, Kenya, Egypt and Senegal, all of which are producing fascinating work from across the continent.

This exhibition is a prominent feature at the Design Indaba Expo. The five groups comprise of Darb 1718 in Egypt, Les Petites Pierres in Senegal, Beyond Entropy Africa and Colectivo Pés Descalços in Angola, and The Nest in Kenya.

The main theme among the individual collectives is to integrate their art and craft into their respective communities.

Visit the Africa is Now exhibition on the Expo floor and meet the artists at the Events Arena on Saturday 28 February at 12:30 and on Sunday 1 March at 13:30.

For more information about each group, visit designindaba.com.

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Durban University of Technology interior design graduate, Megan Parker, was invited to present her project, Sensory Design: Encouraging Student-Centered Learning in University Libraries at the Falling Walls Lab held in Johannesburg in 2014.

The project is based on her research on links between sensory experiences and psychological responses. It attempts to answer three questions.

• How can sensory design encourage students to study productively?
• How can the interior design of a library encourage student-centered learning principles?
• What are student perceptions of an ideal learning environment?

We love her ideas and would encourage you to seek out her project on behance.net. We caught up with her for a brief chat to find out what drives this imaginative mind.

How would you describe, in your own words, what you do?

As a young and vibrant interior designer, I believe in creating spaces that provide beautiful human experiences. I’ve always aspired to identify, research and look for new and innovative ways to solve the problems we face in society. This includes the quality and function of an interior environment and using design to shape the way that we perceive our physical space.

What do you think sets your work apart?

Most people will agree that interior design is a visual profession. To a certain extent, designers depend on the user’s sense of sight, from concept and design to critique, marketing and communication.

On the contrary, my work looks to create spaces that enhance our lives aesthetically, experientially, sensorially and emotionally. My research project aimed to see students embrace and immerse themselves in an academic environment, such as university libraries, that are designed with the full spectrum of human senses in mind.

Through the philosophy of sensory design my real desire is for designers to release themselves from the limitations of living in an era that is focused on shaping and informing a visual culture. As humans, our bodies are conscious and attuned to our surroundings. For this reason, I believe that design should be completely concerned with every aspect that inspires an embodied experience. Moreover, by taking a closer look at how student needs and learning habits are changing, I used my research to look at how sensory design can be used as a tool to create fun and innovative academic spaces that encourage student-centered learning.

What does it mean for you to be selected as one of Design Indaba’s Emerging Creatives?

I’m extremely grateful to have been selected. It means that I have an amazing platform that I can use to share my research topic on sensory design and how the human senses could and should be considered in the design of the built environment. I’m really excited about showcasing my project, as it highlights how creating multi-sensory learning experiences can be used to influence student behaviours, attitudes and emotions in an attempt to encourage learners to study productively.

More so, I’ve always been inspired by Design Indaba and the amount of knowledge they share with people all over the world. I couldn’t be happier to make a contribution to this body of knowledge.

Any plans in the near future that we should know about?

I would love to study at the Art Center College of Design in California. I will need to apply for a scholarship, as their course is extremely expensive. They offer an amazing and specialised Master of Science degree in Environmental Design, which focuses on the parameters of sensory-based design and its ability to deliver a complete user experience on a variety of scales.

I believe that the international influence will be rewarding and help me develop as a designer of the world that has so much more to offer South Africa in the near future.

In your chosen field, who do you rate?

I’m really into Karim Rashid’s work, as I feel he is one of the most prolific designers of today. He also encourages me to push for originality rather than following trends, or conforming to what society wants you to be. I also rate Tom Wiscombes, as his projects are fascinating and impressively futuristic. I absolutely love Zaha Hadid because her work is amazing. In the field of architecture, she really brings women to the forefront, while inspiring interior designers like me to use both a radical and visionary approach to design.

We say world domination, you say?

Passion!

Missed our other Emerging Creatives To Watch? You’ll find the rest of our interviews right here.

Click here for the full list of this year’s Emerging Creatives.

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FILMFEST

The Design Indaba FilmFest is back for another year of exciting documentary screenings and premieres.

The festival will run from 20 February to 1 March at The Labia Theatre on Orange Street in Cape Town for a series of one-night-only screenings.

Here is a list of what is being screened so far:

• Big Eyes
• Stories Of Our Lives
• David Adjaye – Collaborations
• Stripped: The Comics Documentary
• Dior and I
• The Newsroom – Off The Record
• Regarding Susan Sontag
• Art and Craft
• The Salt Of The Earth
• Shake The Dust
• Tomorrow We Disappear
• Project Phoenix (followed directly by Saint Laurent)

Tickets cost R50 each. For more information about bookings and schedules, visitdesignindaba.com.

EXPO

Click here for a list of the 2015’s 40 Emerging Creatives.

CONFERENCE & SIMULCAST

The following speakers have been announced so far for this year’s conference and simulcast. Simulcast tickets are on sale for Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Potchefstroom. As the main conference is now sold out, Cape Town simulcast tickets are now on sale.

Michael Bierut: New York City-based graphic designer will not only MC the conference (as he’s done for many years), he’ll be speaking too.

Stefano Giovannoni: Famed Italian designer behind the iconic Magis Bombo Stool.

Robbie Brozin: Co-founder of Nando’s.

Omar Victor Diop: A Senegalese photographer who’s well-known for his striking fashion and portrait photography.

Larry Harvey: The founder of Nevada Desert’s renowned Burning Man festival.

Pecha Kucha 2015: Every year, graduates from the world’s leading design schools are invited to speak at the Design Indaba conference. This year will feature South African engineer Ackeem Ngwenya, US-based typographer Tia Blassingame, Canadian industrial designer Tyler Pratt, South African graphic designer (and creative director at The Jupiter Drawing Room) Carla Kreuser, Dutch designer Teresa van Dongen, US designer Doremy Diatta, US multidisciplinary designer Kathryn Fleming and Swiss interaction designer Marc Dubois.

Roy Choi: Nicknamed ‘the godfather’ of the food truck movement, this Korean-American chef collaborated on the movie titled Chef about street food culture.

Santiago Cirugeda: Known as an activist architect, Santiago brings life into under utilised parts of his city.

Selly Raby Kane: This Senegalese fashion designer has an unusual style comprising of 3D shapes, patterns and other interesting materials.

Rosita Missoni: Famed for the Missoni brand which has won numerous artistic, academic and fashion awards, Rosita has created a textile legacy in the fashion industry.

Yoni Bloch: Israeli musician and co-founder of Tech company Interlude, Yoni creates interactive music videos that really involve the listener.

Emily Oberman: Her keen understanding of branding, design and humour has lead her to work on shows such as Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live.

Sindiso Khumalo: SA fashion designer based in London, Sindiso fuses Zulu and Ndebele heritage with Western movements in her label that has been featured in Vogue magazine.

The Workers – Ross Cairns and Tommaso Lanza: This digital product design studio uses technology to create interesting new experiences. The Workers have designed and produced projects for a variety of galleries including the Tate Modern.

Studio Propolis: This Kenya-based furniture studio has been run by couple Bethan Rayner and Naeem Biviji since 2005.

William Kentridge: Arguably the most successful South African artist of all time will be giving a performance lecture at the conference.

Studio Formafantasma: This design studio is made up of Amsterdam-based Andrea Trimachi and Simone Farresin.

Casey Neistat: Not only a film maker and actor, this New Yorker has a massive YouTube following for his short online films.

Stanley Hainsworth: A branding and design guru, Stanley has worked for huge global companies such as LEGO and Nike.

Shubhankar Ray: With a variety of award-winning international campaigns under his belt, G-Star Raw’s Global Brand Director Shubhankar Ray spends his time reinventing and redefining the meaning of ‘brand’.

Ng’endo Mukii: This Kenyan filmmaker is best known for her critically acclaimed film ‘Yellow Fever’.

Hella Jongerius: Her design company, Jongeriuslab is just one of the many examples of this Dutch designer’s multiple talents.

Dan Wieden: You know the slogan ‘Just Do It’? He coined it.

Dominic Wilcox: Best described as a creative inventor, the Variations On Normal creator combines art and design to create the unusual.

Joe Public: This creative South African advertising duo consists of Pepe Marais and Xolisa Dyeshana.

For more information about tickets, the conference and the expo, visit designindaba.com.

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Kiara Gounder, a Durban-based fashion design graduate from the Durban University of Technology created Digital Nature, a fashion range featuring 3D printed accessories.

The pieces explore the concept of symmetry in nature, and to achieve this she turned to microscopic images of fossils, plant cells and insect cells for inspiration. The resulting 3D printed accessories, complemented by monochromatic structured garments, earned this young talent a place amongst this year’s 40 Design Indaba Emerging Creatives. We caught up with her for a brief chat.

How would you describe, in your own words, what you do?

I am a recent fashion design graduate. I conceptualise, design and create – and enjoy pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

What do you think sets your work apart?

I suppose what sets it apart is the integration of innovative 3D technologies. 3D printing technology has been breaking new ground in the international fashion industry, but remains relatively unexplored within South Africa.

The work that I will be exhibiting at Design Indaba forms the practical component for my B-Tech: Fashion study, entitled 3D printing revolution: The impact of innovative technologies on fashion in South Africa. I used my B-tech study as an opportunity to explore my own curiosity about 3D printing technology.

What does it mean for you to be selected as one of Design Indaba’s Emerging Creatives?

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase my creative abilities. It is also an incredible honour to be included in a group that is so vastly talented.

Any plans in the near future that we should know about?

I am currently working as a part-time fashion lecturer at the Durban University of Technology. I am also working towards my Masters study which will focus on the development of flexible 3D printed materials to create wearable 3D printed garments. I also hope to fit some travelling in between.

In your chosen field, who do you rate?

Alexander McQueen.

Iris van Herpen is the main designer whose work motivated me to apply 3D printing technology to my design practice. Her experimentation and application of 3D printing technology within the international fashion industry is unparalleled.

Anna Wintour – I have always wanted to become a fashion editor. She holds one of the most influential positions within the international fashion industry.

Lastly, South African designer and artist Dr Michaella Janse van Vuuren. She has exhibited her incredibly intricate 3D printed pieces across the world.

We say world domination, you say?

Absolutely! Where do I sign?

Come back next week for #5 of our Emerging Creatives to watch. Missed the others? You’ll find the rest of our interviews right here.

Click here for the full list of this year’s Emerging Creatives.

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This year’s VISI stand celebrates all the great South African designs that can be seen at the Nando’s Central Kitchen in Johannesburg, featured in detail in the VISI collaboration issue, #76 on sale now.

All you need to do is snap a pic of yourself ‘on the cover’ at the VISI stand and post it to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. In order to stand a chance to win, make sure you tag VISI and use #DesignIndaba and #Casamento. Then you’ll automatically be entered into the draw! The winner will be randomly selected on Monday 2 March.

Not sure what to tag? We’re @visi_mag on Instagram, @VISI_mag on Twitter and @VISIMag on Facebook.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Browse our gallery above to see behind-the-scenes pics of the exclusive chair being made. Master joiner Laurence Friedman together with his assistant Luke are working hard alongside Casamento’s upholstery team to get the chair ready in time for the Expo.

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From up-and-coming interior designers like Megan Parker, jewellery designers like Michelle Liao and photographers like Lesedi MJ Mogale, the talent this year appears to be unstoppable.

Here’s the full alphabetical list of 2015’s Emerging Creatives. For more information about each creative, visit designindaba.com.

·       Alawie & Ruda Darries

·       Amanda van der Walt

·       Anine Roos

·       Bentley van Wyk

·       Bonga Jwambi

·       Buzwe “Buzz” Nxasana

·       Camilla Kruger

·       Carla Erasmus & Christa Botha

·       Catherine Ash

·       Celeste Theron

·       Chantell Lungiswa Joe

·       Jason Sandows

·       Jenna Skead

·       Jennifer Bradley

·       Jennifer Jacobs

·       Karien van Langelaar

·       Khosi Mpungose

·       Kiara Gounder

·       Ofentse Letebele aka King Debs

·       Koketso Mohlala

·       Lesedi Mogale

·       Lloyd Matthew Moodley

·       Lukhanyo Mdingi

·       Maria Magdalena

·       Maria Uys

·       Matthew Bradley

·       Megan Parker

·       Michelle Liao

·       Muhammad Gangat

·       Musonda Kabwe

·       Nicola Hemmes

·       Nikki Onderstall

·       Ntsindiso Nqakaza

·       Rendani Nemakhavhani

·       Rich Mnisi

·       Simone Toerien

·       Tania Whiteley

·       Thulisizwe Mamba

·       Uté Francke 

·       Wade Lambert & Jeanette Oosterhuis

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The 12 nominees for South Africa’s Most Beautiful Object (MBOISA) 2015, seen annually at the Design Indaba Expo, have just been announced. This year’s selection ranges from fashion and art to political illustration and product design.

And the nominees are…

WHAT: 2DO Stackable Storage Tower

BY: De Steyl (in colllaboration with Renee Rossouw Studio)

NOMINATED BY: VISI’s deputy editor, Annemarie Meintjies

WHAT: The Boomslang Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

BY: Mark Thomas Architects and Henry Fagan & Partners

NOMINATED BY: Executive director of the African Arts Institute (AFAI), Mike van Graan

WHAT: The Boran Bull

BY: Ntombephi Ntobela of Ubuhle Beautiful Beads

NOMINATED BY: Photographer, Zanele Mohuli

WHAT: Haywire Chandelier

BY: David Krynauw

NOMINATED BY: TV presenter, actor, creative consultant and entrepreneur, Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane

WHAT: The Repurpose Schoolbag

BY: Rethaka (Pty) Ltd

NOMINATED BY: Design Indaba Expo Team

(Photo by Miora Rajaonary)

WHAT: “Centre Point: Dancing Ballerina”

BY: Llewellyn Davies

NOMINATED BY: Dancer, actress and TV presenter, Lalla Hirayama

WHAT: Political Berets

BY: The EFF, ANC and DA

NOMINATED BY: Puppet political analyst, Chester Missing

WHAT: DStv Explora Satellite Decoder

BY: Multichoice (manufactured by Pace)

NOMINATED BY: Editor and publisher of Stuff magazine, Toby Shapshak

WHAT: Silk Organza and Leather Floral Dress (Spring/Summer 2014)

BY: ERRE

NOMINATED BY: Director of South African Fashion Week, Lucilla Booyzen

WHAT: “Flag Prophecy”

BY: Thandiwe Tshabalala

NOMINATED BY: Executive creative director and partner of Joe Public (as well as outgoing chairman of the Loerie Awards), Xolisa Dyeshana

WHAT: Milk Mohair and Wool Felted Cape

BY: Milk: Mohair She Felt

NOMINATED BY: Actress and presenter, Nonhle Thema

(Photo by Simon Deiner)

WHAT: Kitale Drinks Cabinet

BY: Tonic

NOMINATED BY: Editor of Sunday Times Fashion Weekly, Tiaan Nagel 

Remember, you can vote for your favourite online. For more information, visit designindaba.com.

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Designers Handre de la Rey and Inge de Beer explain their love for concrete and their brand name 20 Eight. Yes, old materials do have new tricks!

Concrete is the most widely used human-made material in the modern world. It has formed the foundations of our cities, the walls of our dams, the fortifications of our buildings and the linings of our roads. Now, as urbanism engulfs our planet, concrete is slowly making headway into our decor and even fashion – just have a look at the examples we have collected from Matali Crasset, Kibisi, Florian Schmid and Klemens Schillinger to see how this international trend is gathering steam.

“Both of us had architect parents, so we grew up with concrete, its smell and texture,” says Inge de Beer, co-founder, with Handré de la Rey, of the 20 Eight design brand. “Our fascination with this material originates in our love for architecture.” We loved their concrete rings, bangles, bowls, plates and lights spotted at the Design Indaba Expo this year.

Far from the chunky ruggedness associated with concrete, the pieces maintain the colour and texture, but are as light and dainty as porcelain, albeit much hardier. Drop them and they won’t shatter, as Inge and Handré have tested this.

The couple’s exploration into concrete began about three years ago when their architecture lecturer challenged them to see how thin they could make concrete go. Since then they have been wearing and tearing the products until they were completely happy with the durability. 

This is only the beginning says Inge, who is currently completing an architectural internship in Pretoria while Handré completes a Master’s degree in Bloemfontein: “We started as an industrial design company but eventually we want to expand 20 Eight to include architecture and graphic design.”

More info: www.20eight.co.za

Products available from: www.africandy.com

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What did you want to be when you were a kid? 

A princess, a ballerina and a character in whatever book I was obsessed with at the time. Anne of Green Gables was a big one. 

What do you do now?

I am a contemporary jeweller and object maker. I love making vessels, in particular. My working method is to engage with traditional processes, specifically casting and enamelling in both metal and glass, to discover new interpretations and possibilities. I enjoy “pushing the boundaries” as it were with traditional techniques. My approach to composition begins with drawings or photographs and is often informed by the interaction of materials.

What was the first thing you designed?

The first thing I made out of metal was a plain copper ring band. It had a huge solder line and was pretty awful, but I was extremely proud of myself. I keep this on my workbench.

How did that happen?

How did I end up as an artist? I think serendipity and a Saturday afternoon walk around galleries in Melbourne definitely played a part in my decision to pursue creative goals. I was totally captivated by the contemporary jewellery in a particular city gallery and once I decided to change directions, everything seemed to fall into place easily. I was accepted into a very competitive fine arts programme at RMIT University in Melbourne and specialised in Gold and Silversmithing. The four-years of my degree have been some of the best years of my life so far. Having the space and encouragement to be innovative and open-minded in the way one approaches one’s art has certainly been significant in my development as an artist.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments as a designer?

Being awarded two Emerging Artist grants by the Australia Council for the Arts, for which I am extremely grateful, has been a huge encouragement. I’m also really proud that I was selected as one of the Emerging Creatives at Design Indaba 2012. As an artist, you want to exhibit your work as widely as possible, so being successful in having my work exhibited internationally in Australia, Japan, Europe and the US, feels like a great accomplishment. 

Should form follow function or should function follow form?

One of my mentors often tells me that form ought to follow function. But when I’m experimenting with techniques and materials, and the result is a hole in the side of a glass vessel, it’s not functional, but it is still a beautiful object to me. 

What do you covet most at the moment?

Time with my good friends and family in Melbourne. I wish they all lived in Cape Town too. This and I’d really like to be a mum. 

Do you have a design philosophy? If yes, what is it?

Conceptually I am motivated by an interest in the Japanese aesthetic tradition and concept of beauty, specifically in the celebration of the natural and its defects. I value things that are nuanced and modest, and believe that elegance permeates a form or object by its suppression.

Advice for aspiring designers? 

Play a bit. Be confident in your design aesthetic. I’m clear in the choices that I make because of this. 

www.laurenjoffe.com

More of VISI’s hot design talents featured at www.visi.co.za/fresh

Also check out this year’s Design Indaba Expo Emerging Creatives here.

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