In the eye of the beholder
A panel of experts has nominated 18 of the most beautiful objects in SA, with sponsorship by the Department of Arts and Culture, and the most beautiful of them all will be announced on Thursday 23 February by international designer and Design Indaba Conference speaker Tom Dixon.
The items range from a silver ring depicting a protea to a table made of finely woven wire, and can all be viewed at this year's Design Indaba Expo that runs from 24-26 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Each item is the secret desire of an Expo curator. Expo content manager Lauren Shantall explains: "No item can be shown at the Expo without the approval of a curator panel - this ensures that the Expo is a showcase of the best of South African design in all sectors, from fashion to décor.
"We decided to tap into this great taste collective by asking each curator to nominate just one favourite item - and decided to share this pleasure by displaying each piece. You may or may not agree with their choices - but it makes for great debate."
Gerard Back, furniture designer and co-owner of décor store Mila, chose the Zulu Mama Chair by Haldane Martin.
Beverley Price, who works in goldsmithing, fine art, craft and design, selected a gown by the Sun Goddess label and Greg and Roche Dry - the creative force behind studio Egg Design - chose a lamp by Gregor Jenkin.
The event is open to the public from 10am to 6pm from Friday 24 February to Sunday 26 February. Tickets are available at the door. Entrance is R35/day (adults); R20 (students /pensioners); R15 (children over 5); free for children under 5 years.
For more information visit www.designindaba.com
