‘Woodwork’ is the third exhibition of South Afrcian collectible design to open at Cape Town’s Southern Guild Gallery.
An exploration of wood in all its forms, the collection of pieces has been curated to encapsulate the diversity of the medium and will be a first of its kind in South Africa. These limited edition works, produced by 26 of the country’s most recognised names in design, will reflect the natural sensibility of the material, while also showcasing its immense diversity.
‘Wood is natural, organic and elemental, and reflects a sense of homeliness and warmth that people crave as we head towards the winter season,’ says gallery co-founder Trevyn McGowan. ‘While some of our designers use the medium in very traditional ways, others tackle it with innovation and technological processes that uniquely highlight its organic qualities. It’s fascinating how wood can be shaped and altered so that an art created by nature is enhanced by the art of the designer.’
Says designer James Mudge, whose work will be on exhibition: ‘I enjoy knowing that the designs I create are strong enough to last as long – if not longer – than the time it took for the timber to grow. This is a very important part of what I do, especially considering the value of the natural resources that we use.’
Christoph Karl, owner of Guideline MNF, also with work on show, echoes these sentiments about the natural appeal of the medium. ‘Very few materials are naturally grown like this, and wood has been consistenly used for over thousands of years in both construction and furniture, with no artificial material having been found to replace it. It interests me even more in that it’s a sustainable material, with a warm aesthetic and a very natural texture.’
List of participants: Adam Birch, Andrew Early, Atang Tshikare, Babacar Niang, Carlo and Mary-Lynn Massoud, Cameron Platter, Daniella Mooney, David Krynauw, Driaan Claassen, EBONY, Ebrahim Assur, Guideline MNF, James Mudge, Jasper Eales, John Vogel, Justine Mahoney, Laurie Wiid van Heerden, Meyer von Wielligh, Osterwald & Sons, Philippe Bousquet, Pierre Cronje, Ramara, Stanislaw Trzebinski, Tekura, TONIC, Vogel + Plunkett, Xandre Kriel
WHAT: Woodwork Exhibition: In loving memory of Babacar Niang, Senegal (25-09-1964 to 25-03-2015)
WHEN: to 28 August, 2015. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10h00 – 17h00
WHERE: Southern Guild Gallery, Unit 1, 10-16 Lewin Street, Woodstock, Cape Town 7925
PHOTO: Xandre Kriel, Assegai Chair; Babacar Niang, NAW NAW; Ebrahim Assur, Delela
