This book celebrates creativity across the continent

Co-edited by Gestalten and Design Indaba, this book celebrates creativity and design in Africa and the rise of new talent.

Part of the Project

Africa Rising, a book co-edited by Design Indaba and Gestalten, takes the pulse of creativity Africa – where design, although still a young industry, is thriving. The African artistic spirit extends far beyond the canvas and studio; a new wave of African creatives is on the rise and making a name for itself in design, fashion, photography, and architecture across Africa and abroad.

Africa Rising, published by Gestalten and co-edited by Design Indaba, is a new book on African creativity and design

 

While the colours, patterns, and crafts are profoundly rooted in African tradition, young designers infuse their creations with a disruptive edge that makes them contemporary, unique, and truly pieces that represent African design.  

Africa Rising calls stereotypes and clichéd, western-imposed ideas of African design into question.

Africa Rising, published by Gestalten and co-edited by Design Indaba, is a new book on African creativity and design

 

From Peter Mabeo’s indigenous wooden furniture, Nobukho Nqaba’s photographic work that handles themes of migration and foreignness through the clever use of every day objects, the publicly-minded architecture of David Adjaye, the threads of Selly Raby Kane’s energetic fashion line, and the soundscapes of Spoek Mathambo’s Fantasma, the pages of the book are bursting with African story tellers. 

Africa Rising, published by Gestalten and co-edited by Design Indaba, is a new book on African creativity and design

Insightful essays from experts and artisans contextualise each portrait and provide insight into talented pioneers, outstanding projects, and the way craft can be a catalyst for social and economic developments. Africa Rising celebrates the way art strengthens and unifies cultures and, most importantly, invokes the multi-faceted richness of Africa.

Africa Rising, published by Gestalten and co-edited by Design Indaba, is a new book on African creativity and design

Explore Africa’s worldwide ripple effect of inspiration, creativity, and artistic community.

These pictures are just some of what to expect inside the book. Africa Rising was launched on 21 September 2016 at Somerset House in London as part of the London Design Bienniale with a panel discussion featuring designers Yinka Ilori and Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, then Design Indaba editor Katie de Klee, and the founder of the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Touria El Glaoui. 

Africa Rising, published by Gestalten and co-edited by Design Indaba, is a new book on African creativity and design