Esther Mahlangu’s new mural is dedicated to the spirit of uBuntu! Planted at a London garden gallery, its larger-than-life stature stands tall amid the greenery, giving Londoners something bright, beautiful, and proudly South African!

London, England (20 October 2024) — After her work enjoyed its fair share of the limelight and celebrity appreciation in the USA, Esther Mahlangu’s new mural is taking up space in London!

At nearly 90-years-young, the acclaimed Ndebele artist continues to share her bold and bright geometric masterpieces with the world. Her new mural, titled ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ is an ode to the South African philosophy of uBuntu. In fact, its translation from Ndebele to English reads ‘I am because you are’.

 

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A post shared by Esther Mahlangu (@esthermahlanguart)

The new mural has been ‘planted’ at Serpentine Gallery’s North Garden based on West Carriage Drive, where it boasts the artist’s immediately recognisable patterning and confident style. Painted across 16 wooden panels, the energy of the new mural is larger than life, much like the uBuntu ethos.

Simultaneously, Esther Mahlangu is also the talk of London’s art scene in a different part of the city. At a solo exhibition at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Esher’s work brought an immediate rush of vibrance and life to the walls of Melrose Gallery in the West Wing!

 

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A post shared by Esther Mahlangu (@esthermahlanguart)

Meanwhile, in another creative news piece that made us feel proudly South African, artist Jake Michael Singer has been given the opportunity to represent our country through sculpture at a prestigious event overlooking the magnificent Pyramids of Giza! Jake’s sculpture, We Will Meet Again in the Sky’ is a must-see, and you can learn more about it here.

Sources: Email Submission

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When litter cast a not-so-lekker shadow on Riebeek Valley, Nico Rens decided to do something pretty creative. What began as an experiment to turn plastic bottles and tops into chandeliers and lights has become a whole movement!

Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (15 October 2024) — When artist Nico Rens moved to the Riebeek Valley several years ago, he couldn’t ignore the duality of the area. On the one hand, there were charming villages against great backdrops of natural beauty. On the other, plastic and waste seemingly grew from the ground; ruining precious parts of the Valley with litter galore.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Nico was no stranger to coming up with clever solutions creatively. Seeing the litter problem as something bigger, he decided to begin experimenting; tinkering with the idea that if the waste was simply remodelled, it might become something fantastic.

 

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Nico began making chandeliers by reworking plastic bottles, containers and lids as part of the design. But, he was just one person and the waste problem needed a lot more hands on deck. So, he decided to launch a plastic waste collection program amongst the local youth.

Many of the young people were interested in how he transformed the plastic. Nico realised that he could tackle the environmental problems and problems related to social upliftment, and soon, a new project was born!

In collaboration with FOR Life Centre, a Non-Profit Organisation that fosters social upliftment, development and reconciliation through community arts programs in the Valley, the new project offered a way to equip people with a means not just to tackle waste but to transform it.

It provided workshops around waste management and collection, recycling, design, construction, and ultimately upcycling!

When Megan Wilson, an acclaimed theatre director, producer and actor among many other titles, learned of the project, she saw its potential for even more good.

What if it could become something that spreads awareness about environmental issues and the means to empower oneself by tackling them? What if it could offer sustainable employment and training to uplift the local community and extend further into the Western Cape? The lightbulb moment had hit, and it wasn’t long until Africa Illumination was born!

 

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Just like Nico’s original work, Africa Illumination creates lighting from upcycled materials. With four community members employed, the idea has already helped people not only give back to their environment and put food on the table, but connect to a greater sense of purpose.

In fact, team leader Johannes Dirks shares that it is work that is “food for his soul”.

With help from Nico’s brother, Gerhard Rens, a retired engineer, the designs have only gotten more functional.

The team is small, but the spotlight on them is enlarging. They have already participated in Solo Studios—Intimate Art Encounters 2024 in Riebeek Kasteel, as well as the Stanford in Bloom festival. Not to mention some features on TV and customers who have purchased the creations from as far as Canada!

These Riebeek Valley locals are showing us that a little extra care and a lot of creative juices can go a long way, and in more directions than just sustainable living. You can check out their goods at the square in Riebeek-Kasteel or right here.

Sources: Email Submission 

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Five female South African designers got the enormous opportunity to showcase their talent at New York Fashion Week!

Global (04 October 2024) — Five South African female designers got to enjoy the pinnacle of fashion excellence as they showcased at New York Fashion Week last month.

Through the Give Her a Crown Platform—an initiative by The Change Collective Africa that uses art to challenge barriers around gender equality—female empowerment was all the rage for local fashion lovers as South African designers got to give the runway an iconic run with their talents on full display.

Their works were as thoughtful in curation as they were in ideation, inspired by the theme ‘Shifting Perspectives’ and the words of spoken word artist Qui Qarre.

The Crown Collection for 2024 was co-curated with Michele Roda, the New York-based African Fashion Council and designer Chuks Collins. These curated pieces are a convergence of fashion, poetry and storytelling—elements that speak largely to the beating hearts of our continent. Additionally, they help raise awareness by spotlighting young female creatives to watch.

Meet the Designers:

• Gugu Peteni—The founder of the inclusive streetwear brand Gugubygugu, who also earned praise in Paris earlier this year.
• Keneilwe Mothoa—A visionary melding fashion and interior design to celebrate African heritage.
• Manthe Ribane Liebmann–A multi-faceted artist who blends her skills from music to design to create unique and dynamic pieces
• Tsakani Mashaba—Through her brand HAMETHOP, Tsakani takes fashion lovers on a journey through African art, textiles and architecture.
• Thando Ntuli—MUNKUS’ creative force who draws inspiration from 1980s and 1990s South Africa to create nostalgic and expressive fashion.

Reflects Chuks Collins:

“Bringing African fashion talent to New York is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity of these designers. I’m thrilled for the world to experience these powerful, transformative collections that challenge norms and inspire change.”

Meanwhile in Milan, South Africa’s most fashionable couple and the team behind House of Decorum got to take to the runway in Milan! You can read all about it here.

Sources: Supplied 

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To no floral enthusiast’s surprise, South Africa’s Flower King, Leon Kluge, has been awarded Landscape Designer of the Year!

Cape Town, South Africa (25 September 2024) — At the Norval Foundation, the best of the very best in South Africa’s design scene came together recently to celebrate the fruits of their labours. From interior designers to architects and landscape designers; those who’ve built brilliant careers, communities and creative wonders were all honoured at the Designer of the Year Awards by Condé Nast’s House & Garden.

These awards aren’t just recognition of excellence in bringing visions to life, but excellence in contributing to South Africa’s internationally influential work in design across a breathtaking spectrum of fields.

To no floral enthusiast’s surprise, Leon Kluge, South Africa’s renowned ‘Flower King’, came home with the Landscape Designer of the Year award! The horticulturist and floral artist has been the means behind many a floral success story for South Africa this year alone, including the floral display that won South African gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower show in London earlier this year as well as the ‘Best New Design Award’.

This was followed by another international feat for Leon, who also took home Gold at the Singapore Garden Festival in August, claiming ‘Best on Show’ and ‘Best Lighting’ for his ‘Between Two Worlds’ display.

Back on local land, Leon also helped develop a new natural heritage garden in Majik Forest, and has been part of bringing the winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show display back home for South African’s to enjoy in Stanford (only on display from 21 September to 6 October).

Other Epic Designers Who Won Awards

Restaurant of the Year: Nic Charlambous, Ouzeri
Hotel of the Year: Coot Club
Home of the Year: Salt Rock by Julia Rutherfoord Architect & Nikhil Tricam
Architect of the Year: Sumayya Vally—Vally of Counterspace
Product Designer of the Year: Bofred—Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus
Interior Designer of the Year: Fyfe Boyce—Bruce Fyfe and Kelsey Boyce
Artist of the Year: Lulama Wolf
Pan-African Designer of the Year: Thabisa Mjo—Mash.T Design
Sustainable Designer of the Year: Laurie Wiid van Heerden—Wiid Designs
ICON Award: Southern Guild—Trevyn and Julian McGowan

Source: House & Garden; Leon Kluge; GTG 

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Joburg Fashion duo ‘Mr and Mrs Decorum’ recently saw their designs radiate on one of the most coveted runways in the world in Milan!

Milan, Italy (23 September 2024) — Joburg-based fashion duo and the couple behind local brand House of Decorum ventured to the home of fashion giants like Gucci and Prada recently in a whirlwind experience that saw their garments take on one of the world’s most coveted runways!

To have one’s designs dominate the runway at Palazzo Serbelloni as part of Milan Fashion Studio is a huge deal in the world of fashion. But for Mphahlela and Rethabile Mokgatle (AKA, Mr and Mrs Decorum), it’s also a well-earned opportunity.

 

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The Mokgatle’s might have backgrounds in finance and law, respectively (Mr Decorum is a chartered accountant and Mrs Decorum is an attorney), but it’s in the fashion world that the ladder to their dreams is fitted.

With a new era of classy dress in mind as inspired by their corporate backgrounds (where dressing for success is often key to actioning it), the fashion couple is integrating high-quality aesthetics with local prowess.

Their collection, “I’dlozi Lethu’ or ‘The Modern Dandy’ got its taste of the Fashion Capital last week, including an exceptional runway show and a visit to the prestigious Accademia Del Lusso School of Fashion.

“This [was] a great opportunity for us to teach the world about our patterns as South Africans and the rich heritage behind our garments,” Mr Decorum said.

He adds that the collection aimed to redefine the modern dandy aesthetic with a “bold fusion of traditional tailoring and avant-garde elements” to create a unique statement in the international fashion scene as reimagined from Johannesburg.

Sources: Supplied; House of Decorum 

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Calling all eco-focused fashionistas and designers! The 2024 Sustainable Fashion Awards’ Nominations are officially open:

South Africa (23 September 2024) — The nominations for the 2024 Sustainable Fashion Awards are officially open, and it’s time for South Africa’s top-tier, sustainability-focused designers and creators to step into the spotlight.

Every year, in a celebration of local talents in fashion who put the environment first, sustainable fashion publication and NPC Twyg hosts the coveted Sustainable Fashion Awards, synonymous with progress, creativity, culture and most importantly, a world where fashion and the planet’s wellbeing are not enemies.

There are 10 categories up for entry and 11 in total with the Changemaker Award set to be drawn from all the categories as determined by the panel of judges’ scoring results.

Both members of the public and members of the trade are invited to put forward worthy contenders for the following:

• Emerging Designer Award
• Student Award
• Footwear Award
• Accessories Award
• Innovative Design and Materials Award
• Trans-seasonal Design Award
• Farm-to-Fashion Award
• Nicholas Coutts Artisanal Fashion Award
• Retail Award
• Tastemaker Award

The awards are open to South Africans aged 18 and up, and the cut-off date for nominations is 27 September.

Finalists will be announced on 8 November while winners will be hosted at an awards event on 20 November. The space between then and now will be filled with strict screening to ensure that principles of transparency, objectivity, fairness and equality are all upheld.

You can find the entry forms and more information about each category’s criteria, here!

Sources: Supplied—Twyg 

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Award-winning local photographer Vuyo Mabheka is showcasing the installation that put his name in lights at Switzerland’s biggest visual arts exhibition, making South African creatives everywhere proud!

Global (19 September 2024) — Vuyo Mabheka continues to solidify his name as one of South Africa’s most promising photographic talents. Following a hugely successful 2023, Vuyo has picked another prized feather for his cap—showcasing his acclaimed body of work ‘Popihuise’ at Switzerland’s most significant visual arts exhibition!

A prestigious opportunity for any photographer, The Biennale Images Vevey draws both artists and visitors from across the world.

For the young Thokoza-based photographer, the opportunity to showcase at this level is nothing short of magnificent. But it’s also well-earned.

Last year, Vuyo made headlines for fantastic reasons. He received one Europe’s most coveted photography accolades—the Grand Prix Images Vevey Special Jury Prize for ‘Popihuise’ as a unanimous winner and went on to host a solo exhibition at the Salon Approche Art Fair in Paris.

A deeply personal exploration of his childhood memories growing up in both Libode in the Eastern Cape and Thokoza in Johannesburg, Popihuise has long been the talk of the photography scene internationally.

The term Popihuise, derived from the Xhosa adaptation of the Afrikaans word for ‘doll house’, represents the interplay between imagination and lived experience in Vuyo’s early years.

It’s a unique culmination of stills, drawings and photographs, each posing an important place in the composition of imaginative reality. Additionally, his installation also encompasses the concept of Umkokotelo—reinvented structures that evoke nostalgia and resilience.

An Of Soul and Joy alumni, Vuyo has made the Thokoza-based creative platform incredibly proud along with the rest of South Africa.

Shares Of Soul and Joy project manager Jabulani Dhlamini:

“Vuyo embodies our mission at Of Sou and Joy, and we couldn’t be prouder of this monumental achievement. His images are able to at once accommodate, engage and challenge audiences’ perspectives—a rare quality that he is only improving as his understanding of photography deepens.”

Sources: Supplied 

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The international cinema scene gave a South African production all the nods of approval! ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ has earned critical acclaim and was spotlighted as one of the top cinematic works of the year at the Toronto Film Festival.

Toronto, Canada (18 September 2024) — We said that ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ would be the talk of Toronto, and we’re over the moon to report that it was!

This year’s edition of the Toronto Film Festival saw South Africa dazzle in the spotlight after the local production by Rose and Oaks Media earned critical acclaim and rave reviews.

The film festival—one of the biggest and most respected in the world—ran earlier this month and concluded on 15 September. ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ was screened on 12 September and, much to the delight of director Embeth Davidz, the cast, crew, production house and South Africa was dubbed a cinematic smash-hit.

For Embeth, it was a particularly successful time, considering this was her directorial debut.

“It is a heartwarming and remarkable moment to have my directorial debut being recognised as one of the best films at this year’s TIFF. This recognition is a result of the hard work and joint effort of everyone who was involved in the project. I am incredibly appreciative of this honour and motivated to continue telling more authentic stories,” Embeth reflects.

For Rose and Oaks Media, founded by Anele Mdoda, Frankie Du Toit and Paul Buys, the time in Toronto was equally inspired and testament to the power of South Africa’s place in the global cinema scene.

“Our hearts are beaming with pride following the exceptional reception that our film received during its screening at the TIFF,” shared Anele.

“We are filled with immense joy to see our film being received so well at an international stage,” adds Paul. “We are proud to have been a part of this prestigious film festival and to receive positive feedback from industry critics globally. This is a profound moment for all of us and it is truly an honour to represent the South African film industry so well.”

Sources: Supplied 

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Dr Esther Mahlangu’s art has been the talk of Atlanta in the USA recently, with Alicia Keys curating a special collection featuring Dr Mahlangu’s work and John Legend stopping by at another exhibition in support of our local legend!

Atlanta, United States of America (16 September 2024) — Widely celebrated South African artist and local ‘Art Gogo’ Dr Esther Mahlangu’s art is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight yet again thanks to an exhibition that has attracted the likes of John Legend and another that’s been curated by none-other-than Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

Following a whirlwind of excitement that saw Dr Mahlangu’s historic art car come home for the first time in decades before taking off on a world tour and a solo exhibition in New York, other works from the Ndebele star have been attracting acclaimed attention in Atlanta.

‘Heritage Hues’, an exhibition by Dr. Mahlangu that was co-curated by Hassan Smith at ZuCot Gallery presents a selection of her works in fully-fledged vibrancy and Ndebele flair. For Africans in the diaspora, it’s more than an art exhibition from a giant in the field; but also a means of connecting others to their roots through the medium.

The exhibition was recently enjoyed by Mr John Legend himself, who popped into Dr Mahlangu’s world in Atlanta for the opening in visible awe.

But Mr Legend wasn’t the only celebrity celebrating Esther.

In another curation by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Dr Mahlangu’s work takes centre stage once again as part of ‘Giants’ at The High Museum of Art, also in Atlanta, following its run in Brooklyn.

The art on display comes from the collection of the music legends themselves, with Dr Mahlangu’s work featuring amongst 115 objects and 98 major artworks, including the likes of Nick Cave and Lorna Simpson.

For South Africans and fans of Dr Mahlangu, it’s incredibly inspiring to see how far our artists journey has taken her, and even more enriching to see how much power art so deeply rooted in a slice of South Africa’s culture has proven to be.

Sources: Various (Linked Above) 

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To look for the light in even the darkest times is one thing, and to shine in the darkness is another. One Capetonian artist brings both to the conversation, transforming these metaphors into visual works!

Cape Town, South Africa (12 September 2024) — Many of us have heard numerous reinterpretations of the metaphor that asks us to look for the light even in the darkest times. But seeing that sentiment visually is an entirely different experience and one that Mitchell’s Plain artist Sandile Ashar Mhlongo has quite literally, brought to light.

Born in Gugulethu and a resident of Mitchell’s Plain’s Lost City, Sandile’s art career began in high school in the late 1980s. With an Impressionist’s fascination of real-life experiences, Sandile created works about his family’s experiences. Inspired by his father, who was both an artist and a bricklayer, Sandile has carried the artistic baton, earning praise for his visually striking depictions of everyday life infused with a touch of the surreal.

Sandile merges the real and the surreal and pierces through the literalism of metaphors in his latest collection,’Lights in Darkness, Darkness in Light’. Here, the overarching message is to choose to look at light, even in the darkest times, informed by the artist’s keen observations of South Africa’s changing landscape and the ever curious interplay between hope and despair from a Capetonian’s perspective.

“There’s good and bad in the dark. Choose light. Shine, shine your light in the dark and you will find all you are looking for.”—Sandile Ashar Mhlongo.

‘Lights in Darkness, Darkness in Light’ will be showcased as part of a solo exhibition by House Union Block (HUB) at the Cape Heritage’s Sisonke Gallery on Bree Street until 27 October, and all hoping to be inspired to find the light no matter the darkness are encouraged to pop in.

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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