Young Gauteng

In association with the Gauteng Tourism Authority

 

The next generation of South Africa’s designers are reasserting the potential and power of design to create meaningful change. They are leveraging the cultural credibility of design, including the reinvention of traditional techniques, to create sustainable solutions and products with wide commercial appeal that tackle social and environmental problems, both locally and globally.

Young Gauteng shines a light on 6 creative talents from the province who show great promise for contributing to the future design narrative in South Africa, aligning with 100% Design Africa’s vision to grow the country’s design industry.

Lindelani Hlophe

Lindelani Hlope is a designer and brand consultant, and the founder of Nine Design Studio, where he takes ‘minimalism to the max!’  “Our creative minds thrive on sleek lines, understated elegance, and the essence of form and function. Embracing the power of less is more, our designs prioritise comfort  and style without the fuss.


Naadira Patel

Photo by Ste Murray_2023

Naadira Patel is an artist, designer and educator who works across the fields of art, architecture, design, and cultural programming. She currently leads softwork, a research and design studio based in Johannesburg, working within an ecosystem of feminist organisations, artists and a broad range of cultural institutions. Naadira holds an MA in Cultural Analysis from the University of Amsterdam (2015), and a BA Fine Arts from the Wits School of Arts (2010). She has lectured at the Wits School of Arts, and in Unit18 at the Graduate School of Architecture (GSA) at the University of Johannesburg. Naadira’s practice moves across the fields of art, design and architecture, thinking critically on the role of design and spatial practice in shaping the world we want to live in.

The work on show at Young Gauteng presents two aspects of Naadira’s practice: a video piece that reflects on trends in design, sustainability and future thinking.

Video piece Title: Soft Futures
Duration: 6min
Medium: Digital video

On the walls I present a selection of small publications produced by my studio. These include: PUBLICA[C]TION, 2017 Lesser Violence, 2022 Hopes and Dreams, GALA and Taboom, 2021 Courage to Share, GALA and Taboom, 2022 Earthly Delights, 2022 Hyperreal Prototypes, 2021 Newwork19, 2019 Shelves to be produced by Ex-Hotel, 3 x 650mm width, 2 x 350mm width

www.softwork.studio


Tshegofatso Masigo

Masigo is a heartfelt tribute to Tshegofatso Masigo's late grandmother, weaving together elements of textures, minimalism, and diverse forms. This brand goes beyond conventional notions of "home," skillfully dissecting and redefining the very essence of this concept. Through powerful storytelling, Tshegofatso Masigo effectively connects with consumers, creating an emotional bond that resonates deeply.

One of the brand's most intriguing aspects is its exploration of how objects can transcend their physical presence and occupy a space in consumers' hearts and minds, reshaping their perception of what "home" truly means. Masigo's unique ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought elevates the brand's impact, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.


Vere Shaba is an award-winning engineer and sustainability consultant. As an engineer, she is passionate about designing net zero carbon buildings, infrastructure, precincts and cities, mindful of the disproportionate impact of climate change on women in Africa. Two years after founding Greendesign, Vere was nominated as Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Young Woman Achiever by the Premier of Gauteng. In 2021, Vere became the Head of Africa Programmes for the World Green Building Council, where she led the Africa regional programmes with the African Union, C40 Cities, International Finance Corporation and UNFCCC High-Level Climate Champions.

As engineering is both the cause and answer to addressing climate vulnerability through how we design and build across Africa, Vere believes in a socially just, low-carbon and climate-resilient world - where no one is left behind.

The Walls Between Art & Engineering

This installation is inspired by the work of Theo Jansen who stated that art and engineering are inextricably linked and that “the walls between art and engineering exist only in our minds”. This installation is off grid and net zero carbon using recycled wallpaper and rechargeable batteries that are powered through solar.

Medium: Recycled Wallpaper

/www.greendesignafrica.com/


Zanele Montle

Zanele Montle's work delves into the essence of black identity, skillfully depicting everyday life through vibrant colors and striking repetitions that define her artistic style. She invites viewers to find beauty in the ordinary moments of human existence, as we navigate routines that shape our sense of belonging and connection to our communities and families. Montle's brushstrokes infuse sincerity into these universal experiences, transforming the mundane into a captivating display of colors and emotive expressionism. Through her unique approach, Montle encourages reflection on the significance of life's simple aspects and the emotions they evoke. Her captivating use of acrylics adds depth and resonance to her subject matter, making her art a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience and the multifaceted dimensions of black identity.

Inxoxo zababili (50 x 50 cm)
Untitled I (50 X 50 CM)
Untitled II (50 X 50 CM)

Uthando lubanzi'lujulile (1 m x 1 m) all acrylic on canvas


Tebogo Selepe

Tebogo "Sloppy" Selepe is a dynamic digital artist whose work draws inspiration from a fusion of African spirituality, pop art, surrealism, and high fashion. Based in the vibrant city of Soweto, Sloppy's art invites viewers to embark on a journey through "uncanny dystopian views of excess, media, and identity."

Sloppy’s unique perspective allows viewers to delve into captivating worlds that challenge conventional norms and explore the interplay between excess, media, and personal identity. His art serves as a captivating reflection of our modern society, provoking contemplation on the complexities and contradictions that shape our contemporary lives. By merging various influences and digital techniques, he pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving a profound and lasting impression.

AREYENG BARENA
LEHODIMONG
JUWISH ON MY STOEP
MANAKA
MASSA - Tebogo Sloppy Selepe
TAPESTRY 

TOAST'A