Pan African Craft Exhibition

South Africa Thu 24-06-2010

Pan African Craft Exhibition
By a Correspondent

African craft – with a contemporary twist.

Presenting an exciting new design vision for a continent that is as contemporary as it is African, the PACE 2010 exhibition takes place at the Gauteng Craft and Design Centre (CDC) located on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, until 31 July 2010.

PACE 2010 is supported by the South African Department of Arts and Culture, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Johannesburg. Challenging hackneyed “curio” stereotypes, PACE 2010 sees “craft” blurring with fashion and decor, taking its rightful place on the global design stage.

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 of hand-made gems sourced from a number of African countries is housed in an appropriately futuristic series of white pods in the CDC located next door to the FIFA headquarters on Nelson Mandela Square, and is a must-see for visitors who are interested in a vision of Africa that will challenge their preconceptions and delight their senses.

Felt Chair By Ronel Jordaan

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.

Marvel at the sleek contemporary lines of 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 postmodern shapes of Ethiopian Selassie Teteveie's Bole Chair. An exciting new departure in recycled work comes from Ali Lamu in Kenya, and be sure to check out Zenzulu's laceworked wire platters, as well as sexy new interpretations of African craftsmanship such as Seringa Trading's modern Maasai beadwork accessories.

Black Napoleon Chair

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. Challenge your perceptions of African craft and design – come to PACE 2010 and witness a continent on the cutting edge, where traditional meets contemporary in a glorious fusion.

The Craft and Design Centre (CDC) is located at Nelson Mandela Square, corner of Rivonia Road and West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg. The PACE 2010 exhibition is open from 9am to 6pm daily, and entrance is free. For more information, phone 0110114100.

To find out more about Gauteng’s attractions, transportation, accommodation and so on, visit the Gauteng Gateway 2010 website – www.gautenggateway2010.com – or the media centre at CDC-Gauteng on Nelson Mandela Square. The CDC is also home to the Gauteng International media centre for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Media interested in registering to use these facilities must register on Gauteng Gateway.2010.com/media

Media Queries:
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu/ Teboho Motloung
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991
FAX 011 388 4404
christabel@buz.co.za

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