/ 24 April 2014

Creative Showcase by 10and5 – April 25

Laduma Ngxokolo's knitwear brand 'MAXHOSA by Laduma'.
Laduma Ngxokolo's knitwear brand 'MAXHOSA by Laduma'.

Vibrant, proudly SA design and illustration by Karabo Poppy Moletsane
Having recently graduated with a BA in Visual Communication from Open Window, Karabo Poppy Moletsane now works as an illustrator and designer in Pretoria. Through her unique work style and impeccable skill (specifically series such as her self-promotional Mzanzi Like Me) Moletsane tells the South African story – highlighting her love for everything that makes South Africa "so full of zest, culture and innovation".

Laduma Ngxokolo incorporates elements of the Xhosa culture into his knitwear designs
Originally from Port Elizabeth, Laduma Ngxokolo was taught hand machine knitting by his mother in grade 8. After school, he studied textile design and technology, and in 2010 he began to work on his own knitwear brand, "MAXHOSA by Laduma". Aiming to capture his own Xhosa culture in his knitwear, Ngxokolo looks to the patterns of traditional African beadwork as inspiration and, as much as possible, makes use of locally sourced textiles. He has recently expanded his brand further to include patterned rugs, cushions and blankets and, this year, created a women's line called Buyele'mbo. Historically rich, and holding much personal meaning, Ngxokolo's designs have captured the attention of local and international audiences alike.

The Colour Ikamva project reimagines education through creativity
Intent on proving that there is indeed a science to creativity, Cal Bruns, Joy Olivier, Megan King and Ricky Lee Gordon started the Colour Ikamva project with the aim of using art in physical spaces to bring about social change. Their area of focus is schools, as this is where children spend most of their time during their formative years. Knowing then how important these spaces are, what Colour Ikamva does is fill them with colour and energy and, as a result, inspires creativity and creates a greater enthusiasm for learning.

Liani van der Westhuizen, creative director of Spier Architectural Arts
With a background in architecture, Liani van der Westhuizen furthered her career abroad beginning with a postgraduate study in "design for development". Later she became involved in a range of educational and community development projects. Spier Architectural Arts offered a good merger between her passion for the built environment, and cross-pollination between creative practices. As the creative director, van der Westhuizen oversees the various studios, artists and designers in curating and producing site-specific and large-scale art interventions.

Gabrielle Guy, a graphic designer specialising in the layout of art books
Book design is a kind of art in and of itself, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the case of art publication design – a field in which Cape Town-based graphic designer, Gabrielle Guy, specialises. According to her belief that good design is simple and obvious, her aesthetic leans toward the minimal. Actively involved in the process from start to finish, Guy has worked on art publications with esteemed South African artists including Zander Blom, Brett Murray and Zanele Muholi and, over the years, has developed a reputation for her careful attention to detail and her considered approach.