Most of the time when we talk about art, we think of the western world, with its glamour, luxurious museums and sophisticated people. What associations would someone think of after hearing the word Africa? First of all, we probably think about exotica, palms and vacations, and then about poverty, starving children and other bad things of the world. Just recently Milan was stormed by a week of design and Africa was introduced to the public from a totally different perspective – there were loads of bright colors and curlicued patterns, it was a chance to see and evaluate Africa’s artists from different fields. The artists from the western world introduced their creations besides them. Inspired by the African motives, high class textile and patterns they created innovative and modern furniture and installations. And we shall admire them this time.
Tord Boontje furniture
Tord Boontje
Tord Boontje’s created furniture was probably one of the things that caught my eye the most. Not only its appearance and form were interesting but also the philosophy of the artist himself. He claims that modernism doesn’t mean minimalism, it’s not the only and irreplaceable definition that should be followed. Our beloved phrase “Up – to – date” doesn’t mean the abandonment of traditions and technology doesn’t make you reject the human being and senses. Without refusing help from the latest technologies, Tord Boontje takes his inspiration from nature, tradition and different cultures. After looking at these armchairs you will notice that they don’t look out – of – date or old and different patterns and bright colors don’t make them look as if they were huge, it’s the opposite, the form and figuration look cute, flexible, light and attractive. The figuration of the furniture was created using an old African fishing net knitting technique.
Philippe Bestenaider (1)
Philippe Bestenaider (2)
Another designer’s, Philippe Bestenaider’s, created furniture were also creative. In the first picture we can see an armchair named “Binta”. Its form was created using structure of an enormous African tree baobab, which seems to be bolted to the ground. The armchairs were bound with colorful, African motive, shreds. Maybe these armchairs aren’t as attractive as the first but I think that they would fit beautifully in a leisure or a thematic room. They would create a cosy atmosphere and would be a joy to look at.
The work in the second picture is also created by Philippe. When creating these pouffes the designer thought not only about the outside nut also about fabric and ecology. These pouffes made of recycled tires and African motives, pressed on the material. You probably already spotted that African patters can be various. It is said that every symbol in the African art has its own meaning, tells a different story. You can get lost in a never ending labyrinth while searching for the meaning of the symbols.
"Madame Dakar", Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse
"Madame Dakar", Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse
A duet of designers Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse created an armchair “Madame Dakar”. Its interpretation is very dreamy. Creators claim that an amazing woman from Dakar gave them the inspiration.
Imagine that you are sitting in a lap of a gorgeous woman from Dakar, your head is squeezed in between her breasts and you’re admiring the stars – a vision tolled by artists.
And the form of the piece really does remind of woman’s figure and elegancy. It seems that the interpretation is a bit sweet but it fits.
Toogou, Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse (1)
Bayekou, Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse (2)
Bayekou, Bibi Seck and Ayse Birse (3)
Here are some more pieces from designers that created “Madame Dakar”. In the first picture we can see a piece called “Toogou” – it means to weave, so the chair is called the weaver’s chair. In the second and third pictures are armchairs “Bayekou”. You can probably see that he form reminds of a rocking – chair and the interpretation is not far from that. The meaning of the name is to rock, to cradle. It is claimed that the chair is very good for putting a child to sleep or for dozing off. The form seems to be perfect. The only thing that I missed, were armrests.
Do-lo-rez, Ron Arad
Do-lo-rez, Ron Arad
An interesting composition created by designer Ron Arad. At first I thought that there are two cubes, put besides one another but it seems that the artist is using similar elements, fixes them together and makes various bunks, sofas, beds. Earlier Ron Arad’s works didn’t have a multicolor coloring but it seems that the African textile inspired this creator as well. I think that this sort of piece would best fit in larger areas, cafeterias and leisure zones. They don’t seem too clever for home, although, children might enjoy this type of chaotic surface and colors.
Stephen Burks
Aissa Dione textile
Well then, I hope that African colors and creative furniture were a joy to watch not only for me but for you too. It’s great that creators from even such a distant continent as Africa are making their way into the art world. That’s it for now.
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