HOME + DESIGN PRECIOUS
HOME + DESIGN PRECIOUS THINGS The Critter Creator A South African talent turns to the natural (and mythical) world for inspiration Atang Tshikare is a modern maker, whose constantly evolving work is difficult to categorise. He began as an illustrator and graffiti artist in his native South Africa, later applying his street-style-friendly images and patterns to sneakers, skateboards, upholstery, even bicycles. His work caught the eye of Johannesburg gallerists Trevyn and Julian McGowan of Southern Guild, who connected him with local artists and artisans, providing him with the means to expand into sculpture. The resulting pieces, shown in December at Design Miami, were a sensation: bronze works shaped like fantastical creatures that doubled as furniture. Although Tshikare, 37, studied graphic design, he’s loath to sit at a computer. “You get a different sense when you’re touching something,” he says. The jump from graffiti to product design was, ultimately, an organic one. “I wasn’t trained as a designer, but I naturally knew how to wrap something with art so that no matter what angle you look at it, it’s exactly what I want you to see.” He also imbues his pieces with stories, some drawn from African myths or folktales. A set of his ceramic stools, for instance, “talks about water as a giver of life and a bringer of death and all the things that go in the middle”. zabalazaa.com —Stephen Treffinger Atang Tshikare on his bronze sculpture chair titled Maotwana Finyela (Small Infinite Footprints) Sitting Pretty First shown to the public right after Hadid’s untimely death last year, the Pritzker-winning architect’s design for the foam-filled ZH One armchair from Cassina mimics the curves and crevasses of her many buildings. And the clever use of duo-toned upholstery helps accentuate every contour. cassina.com FROM TOP: JUSTIN PATRICK; © CASSINA 40 DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM
A CLASSIC UPDATED 1 Put Down That iPhone The petite cigarette table – too small for a vase or lamp, and just big enough for today’s smartphones – was the essential accoutrement in any Jazz Age 2 nightclub. Now it’s been reinvented for 21st-century interiors. Working as little sculptures, these designs are ready for experimentation. 6 1 – Hancock & Moore Solar accent table in forged iron. hancockandmoore.com 7 3 2 – Arteriors Delilah accent table with a black glass top and matte brass finish. arteriorshome.com 3 – Ochre Wisp small side table in blackcurrant with Italian saddle leather and brasscapped feet. ochre.net 4 – Design Within Reach Tipi high table with an oak top on powder-coated steel. dwr.com 5 – Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams The Handler Pull-Up table with a brass stand on a Carrara marble base. mgbwhome.com 5 4 6 – Studio Van Den Akker Gianni stands with three unique walnut tops and brass bases. studiovandenakker.com 7 – Bernhardt Anika chairside table with a bubble-glass top and a stainless-steel base. bernhardt.com p h o t o g r a p h b y JENS MORTENSEN DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM 41
