Southern Guild

Shining a spotlight on our continent’s unique art and the visionary artists and creative creators behind it, Southern Guild will once again be showcasing the best of African art at Untitled Art and Design Miami this year.

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Part of Miami Art Week, the two events will run concurrently from 5 to 10 December.

“The gallery’s booth for Design Miami features functional and sculptural work by 11 designers and artists from across the continent, bringing together a collection of richly handcrafted objects in which nature’s presence is unleashed in a profusion of diverse forms,” explains Southern Guild.

Pieces to look out for include a pair of seating pods by Porky Hefer, two pieces of collectable furniture by Rich Mnisi and three large-scale bronze sculptures by Zizipho Poswa.

“For Untitled Art, Southern Guild will present the work of three emerging artists: South African painters Jozua Gerrard and Katlego Tlabela, and Zimbabwean ceramic artist Xanthe Somers. Varied in style and conceptual interests, this trio of artists represent unique contemporary perspectives from the African continent who engage with their political, social and cultural contexts in diverging ways.

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“They share a pop-infused formal approach that harnesses elements of fantasy and play, undergirded by a sense of dissonance. Gerrard’s lone figures hint at a listless malaise, while Tlabela responds to persisting economic inequality with bolstered fantasies of self-determination. In contrast, Somers’ sculptural vessels are barbed critiques of corruption and consumption.”

A taste of things to come, the shows will run just two short months before the opening of Southern Guild’s first gallery on Western Avenue in the new art hub of Melrose Hill, Los Angeles.

In addition, visitors to the art fair can also catch ceramic artist Andile Dyalvane and Southern Guild co-founder Trevyn McGowan at the Design Miami/ Talks Program this year. McGowan is part of the panel discussion titled ‘The Story of Us’ on Wednesday, December 6 and Dyalvane will participate in the ‘Healing Through Design’ panel discussion on Friday, December 8.

Both talks will take place in the Design Miami/ Talks Theater.