It is not surprising that a region famed for its spectacular natural scenery is the setting for a rich outpouring of creativity. This correlation – between the Western Cape and the myriad forms of design and making that have been produced here – is the basis of Make It New, a new exhibition presented by the Cape Craft and Design Institute at the Cape Town Stadium.
The curators wanted to trace some of the influences that have shaped innovation and creative expression in the Western Cape, from the biodiversity of the Cape floral kingdom to the coastal landscape and historic port to the area's unique mix of indigenous, European and Eastern cultures.
The exhibition features 160 designers and craft producers from across the province, resulting in a showcase of significant objects produced in the region and prompting reflection on the area's design signature. The show inserts examples of historic objects, including images from the Western Cape Museums' archive, into displays of contemporary design objects to draw connections between their functionality, materials or craft techniques.
The exhibition, which forms part of the flagship 2014 World Design Capital project Makers and Thinkers, is on until 19 October.
PLEASE NOTE: The CCDI's Make It New exhibition has moved to the V&A Waterfront Watershed and will be on show till mid December 2014.
