Arts Thread

‘Untamed Africa’ is an interiors collection that draws on my South African heritage and the beauty of the African bush. The collection brings together screen-printed wallpapers, digital weaves, digitally printed fabrics, and innovative hard surface samples to create a cohesive yet striking collection. Inspired by the anticipation of searching for wildlife in their natural environment, I explored themes of concealment and revelation through layering and distortion in both prints and weaves. This reflects how animals exist subtly within the landscape—hidden yet ever-present. My design approach is rooted in abstraction, where organic forms are reimagined through a contemporary lens. I drew not only from the natural world, but also from South African cultural practices such as beading and basket weaving to inform my geometric motifs. Research of South Africa’s complex history ran parallel to an exploration of its emerging design scene. I was particularly drawn to the bold style of contemporary South African design— which has often been overshadowed by the countries dark past. Through the use of graphic imagery, tactile surfaces, and a considered yet vibrant colour palette, this collection seeks to reframe South Africa’s past with optimism and respect. Material exploration played a central role in the development of the collection. I combined traditional techniques with contemporary processes to create surfaces that are texturally rich. The use of raffia in the weaves introduces a sense of place and authenticity, while the juxtaposition of materials—such as resin-coated paper weaves and the pairing of tufting with wood—brings a sculptural, unexpected dimension to the work.