100% Textiles Pavilion: “Picture Africa” Sees The African Continent In All Its Bold Beauty!
All eyes are on "Picture Africa": a progressive, vibrant, and even riotous display of African creativity that joyously outlines the vital interrelation of photography and textiles on our continent. It's a forward-thinking exhibition that not only focuses on how Africa's fabulous fabrics and photos inform a singular and globally celebrated visual identity; but also, how we are forging ahead to form the look of the future.
Curated by the influential Cathy O'Clery of Platform Creative Agency, "Picture Africa" is a significant exhibition that boldly celebrates the relationship between photography, textiles and fashion as seen through a pan-African lens. While the show features photography from the continent's finest image-makers alongside textile designs from designers and manufacturers associated with the African continent, the wealth of contributors also extends to bloggers, image-makers, artisans and fashion leaders. Expect a dazzling amalgamation of creative thought!
"Picture Africa" will include work by leading African photographers such as Phyllis Galembo, Thandiwe Muriu and Ed Suter. Top South African fashionistas like Trevor Stuurman, Laduma Nxgoloko and Marianne Fassler will also feature, alongside Ghana's Yevu. Innovative textile designers from all over Africa such as Aissata Namoko, Skinny laMinx, Design Team, Bead Design Studio and Boubacar Doumbia of Le Ndomo textile workshop will be brought to the fore.
What's more, this kaleidoscopic exploration of contemporary African visual culture asks viewers to examine how two powerful media could merge to create a new aesthetic offering in the form of fresh textile designs. All-new, collaborative print patterns conceived by O'Clery will be on show and available to purchase. Many of these arresting new fabrics will adorn chairs from Southern Hospitality that all form part of the display.
When asked about her curatorial objectives, O'Clery states: "Picture Africa" is intended to offer a point of stimulus and fresh inspiration. It is meant to spark conversations and creative thought - all of which helps set the pace for our industry and this then leads to the birth of new products. With "Picture Africa" our objective was not solely to reflect on the current state of African image-making, we also wanted to try and pre-empt its next wave. Because 100% Design South Africa is an interior design show, we have zoomed in on textiles - even though there is an overwhelming wealth of African ingenuity in all spheres and disciplines - because fabrics are relevant and engaging for our trade and accessible for the public, too."
Visitors to "Picture Africa" can expect a vibrant amalgamation of the joyous, clashing and colourful textiles of our colourful continent and the vibrant street and studio photography that encapsulates the spirit and energy of contemporary African life.
This must-see exhibition will be showcased at the two 100% design South Africa events scheduled for 2016. The first of these events is the 100% Textiles pavilion, presented in association with renowned furniture brand Southern Hospitality, which is set to be a highlight of upcoming Decorex Cape Town from 29 April - 2 May 2016. "Picture Africa" then travels to Gauteng, where it will be on show at 100% Design South Africa 2016, to be held from 5 - 10 August 2016.
Decorex Cape Town is open from 10am to 7pm on 29 April to 1 May 2016 and 10am to 6pm on 2 May 2016. Ticket prices are R85 for adults, R75 for trade, pensioners and students and R20 for children. Entrance to the show allows entry to 100% Textiles and the "Picture Africa" exhibition.
Date: 29 April 2016 to 02 May 2016Time: 10:00 - 19:00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
Cost: R85 for adults, R75 for traders, students and pensioners and R20 for children