Porky Hefer‘s new collection, Plastocene – Marine Mutants From a Disposable World, features large-scale, handmade, imagined mutant sea creatures that have evolved from ocean trash.

A visual essay on the discarded detritus of hyper-consumerism, society’s addiction to convenience and the sordid neglect of the natural world, Plastocene speculates that – in an undesirable twist of evolutionary fate – sea creatures transmutate in an attempt to adapt to the abundance of plastic pollutants flooding their oceanic home.

Currently on show at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia, Plastocene comprises five works: Buttpuss, a giant octopus constructed from hand-felted cigarette butts; Q-Tip, evolved from a cotton bud and drawing reference from a hammerhead shark; Suckerfish, studded with 120 giant crocheted straws; Flat White, based on a disposable coffee cup; and Sabre Toothed Netfeesh, woven from off-cut marine rope.

As Porky’s design process is one born of collaboration, it’s unsurprising that Plastocene is the culmination of creative work by more than 80 crafters across six studios: Ronel Jordaan Textiles, Streetwires, Mielie, Wolf & Maiden Creative Studio, M Clothing and Leon at CXIXX, with African Karakul wool sponsored by Jonay Wool Carding. The entire project was co-produced by Southern Guild and will form part of NGV’s permanent collection.

Plastocene is one of 30 major new world-premiere shows commissioned for the NGV Triennial, which runs until 18 April 2021. For more information visit NGV’s website.

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From a cabin made entirely of chocolate and a beehive-inspired house to Peter Tempelhoff’s new restaurant in Cape Town and a mixed-media exhibition by Koos Groenewald, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 253.

1. Beehive House

“Based on a traditional Japanese castle, this home by Jima Design makes use of a beehive-inspired structure,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The house is designed to stimulate both the mind and the body, with the idea being to keep the brain active through the use of unusual shapes and spaces.”

Image credit: Kazushi Hirano via Archdaily

2. The Chocolate Cottage

“Imagine spending a night in a home made entirely of chocolate,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “Well, if you’re in France you can!  The Chocolate Cottage is made from roughly 1.5 tonnes of chocolate and is designed and manufactured by renowned artisan chocolatier Jean-Luc Decluzeau. Hansel and Gretel made a reality!”

Image credit: booking.com

3. FYN Restaurant

“I cannot wait to try Peter Tempelhoff’s new venture, FYN, set to open in November,” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink. “The new location looks absolutely fabulous. I also love how the menu will be drawing inspiration from South African culture.”

Image credit: fynrestaurant.com

4. Palindroom Exhibition at Lemon Design Studio

“South African artist Koos Groenewald’s latest exhibition is a feast for the eyes,” says Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjes. “The exhibition explores a variety of mediums, from photography to installation.”

Image credit: madebylemon.co.za

5. Orms X Streetwires

“For the 2018 ‘Orms Cares’ initiative, photography store Orms has commissioned a team of amazing Streetwires artists to produce a limited-edition range of beaded cameras,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Each piece retails at R750 and proceeds will go back into the Streetwires initiative.”

Image credit: ormsdirect.co.za

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 253 on picks of the week 232.

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Low-cost housing, painting with food, a 3D-printed Aston Martin and a pop-up museum in an elevator shaft… That’s just half of the top VISI picks of the week series – week 22. Not to mention ironing art, a Cape Town font blog and beaded wire sheep. And what’s that: a desk or a light or a stool or a coffee table? All of the above! Tell us what your favourite is in the comments below.

1. www.abaton.es
2. www.karroohotel.co.za, streetwires.co.za
3. www.ohiseered.com
4. www.joanavasconcelos.com
5. www.tyronestoddart.com
6. www.mmuseumm.com
7. www.replicadb4.com
8. cttype.co.za

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 22 on picks of the week 32.

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