There’s nothing we love more than a combination of artistic talent across multidisciplinary creative fields. And when the goal is to originate collections based on a shared love for Johannesburg, we’re intrigued even further.
At the end of the month, Fabrica, Henriette Botha, Ants and They’re Wonted are exhibiting their exciting new product ranges at Gathere, a new co-working space, photographic studio, gallery and workshop in the Kramerville Design District. Here is what they have in store:
Kirsten Townsend, founder of Fabrica, is a graphic designer who has started moving into a three-dimensional space.
Her latest project, and the reason behind the collaboration, is “Citymapmats”. Drawing her inspiration from spaces and architecture around her, the facades of the buildings and windows inspired the patterns which are woven into the rugs, forming road maps of urban areas in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The rugs are 100% wool and hand-tufted. Kirsten worked closely with weavers in India and chose to do her production through a company which upskills locals.
Established at the end of 2012, the Henriette Botha collections are 100% handmade in Johannesburg. They use local artisans and focus on skills development to preserve the crafts of beading, weaving and crocheting.
Golden Arc is a departure from previous collections, as it has introduced gemstones and precious metals. This was not only inspired by Johannesburg’s rich history, but also Henriette’s love for precious stones, which she has been collecting for years.
Gold-plated silver translates the opulence of gold found in the rich mining band stretching from Joburg to Welkom. The geometric shapes found throughout the collection are a combination of abstract reflections of the city and the mapping on the carpets designed by Fabrica.
Ants is an international platform for the promotion of culture, art, design and overall creative expression. The concept behind Ants is based on the insects of the same name, which go out, find different goods and experiences, and bring them back to share with their communities.
Collaborations are part of the company’s DNA. Ants draws inspiration from Joburg and its energy, urban dynamism and cultural legacy. This has led it to a mix of talent and creativity, such as Fabrica, Henriette Botha and They’re Wonted. Working on unconventional ways to curate different disciplines is what Ants strives for, which is why this collaboration fits so beautifully with its ethos – it lives and breathes Joburg’s creativity.
Passionate about pulling a brand’s story together online, Jessica, Dillon and Daniella Du Plessis launched They’re Wonted into the content creation space this time last year.
When Kirsten approached them to do this collaboration, they couldn’t say no, feeling a strong bond with their city and the people in it.
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