A Showcase of African Designers at the Inaugural “Africa by Design” Exhibition in Ghana

The inaugural edition of the “Africa by Design” exhibition will be kicking off tomorrow(8th March 2017).

The event will be taking place at the Nubuke Foundation in the Accra suburb of East Legon, and will feature 21 Designers from 6 Sub-Saharan Countries, namely, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal. Described as “Africa’s most diverse design exhibition” the event website goes on to explain,

The designers selected for the inaugural and ground-breaking AFRICA BY DESIGN exhibition, share strong symbolic and cultural narratives and histories. However, they are each thought provoking in their separate heritage and, surprising for the outsider, for their modernity. From environmental design, to furniture / product and textile design, they will create a platform, which celebrates design.

The talented exhibitors include a familiar face in Damola Rufai (who will be showcasing his Neon Gods mask series among other pieces) along with Ghanian multidisciplinary artist Na Chainkua Reindorf,  Ethiopia and Kenya inspired Jomo Furniture, (who has been celebrated by the likes of Vogue Magazine and Wallpaper), as well as the Kofar Mata Dye Pit (whose dyeing technique is encapsulated by the history of the ancient city of Kano). You can find out more about all the exhibitors here.

In a report by Financial Times, Chrissa Amuah, the lead organiser of the event was quoted as saying,
Chrissa Amuah

“Design has a significant role in African culture,but we believe it has a commercial future too. A new consumer class is emerging in Ghana, increasingly interested in contemporary design. There is still the idea, for some people, that if it comes from abroad then it’s better, we’re out to change that narrative.”

Her intent is to cross pollinate ideas and talent, within Africa, and re-ignite the sense of pride, emotional and empowering innovation and conviction. The event promises to be a multi-sensory experience, taking visitors on a journey through the beauty and complexity of diverse cultural influences in design.
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