Curators Adam Levin and Andile Magengelele have scoured the continent in search of unusual new pieces that base their identity less on ethnicity and more on shape, texture or individual creativity. The showcase from a number of African countries is housed in an appropriately futuristic series of white pods in the CDC next door to the FIFA headquarters.
Highlights include Ronel Jordaan's new felt chair, Kpando Pottery's earthy forms from Ghana, Moonlight & Magic's abstracted papier-mâché Dolos sculptures from Cape Town and Malian master dyer Aboubakar Fofana, who has created a unique indigo masterpiece in Mali. There are sleek contemporary lines from Kubu Crafts' Tonga Leg table from Mali, Tekura's intriguing vessels and contemporary Ashanti stools from Ghana and Nigerian Taslim Martin's award-winning Secret Dovetail sculpture, on loan from the British Museum.
Visitors will appreciate the bold post-modern shapes of Ethiopian Selassie Teteveie's Bole Chair. An exciting new departure in recycled work comes from Ali Lamu in Kenya and Zenzulu's laceworked wire platters, as well as new interpretations of African craftsmanship such as Seringa Trading's modern Maasai beadwork accessories.
You may also expect the whimsy of Cheik Diallo's extraordinary chairs from Bamako and the social satire of House on Fire's sculptures from Swaziland.
The exhibition is supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Johannesburg, is open from 9am to 6pm daily and entrance is free. For more information, go to www.joburg.org.za/content/view/5369/266/.
