A quick online search online for African product or interior design brings up slim pickings. That is an obfuscation of the rich history and talent the continent has contributed over time, and interior designer Tanwa Newbold is looking to change that.
Through the NU MI Design Exhibition she launched last year, she curates the work of some of the leading product and interior designers in the country. “It’s important to present our unique point of view, and engage in the dialogue happening in the global design community” she said. “I have always been passionate about using the skills of our home grown artisans to create objects and spaces that inspire and speak to the best of us. Our first exhibition showcased the range of interesting pieces my design firm was creating locally”.
The event was so successful that their partners insisted they came back for a second time, with their backing to ensure it became an annual event. “After the initial validation, I really wanted to put the spotlight on the vanguard of contemporary African designers right now, starting with Nigeria. We have so much to say, so much to share”!
This year work from Lani Adeoye, Tosin Oshinowo, Funfere Koroye, Ugoma Adegoke, Kelechi Odu, Tunde Owolabi and a special collaboration between Polly Alakija and Newbold’s brand NU MI were on display.
Kelechi Odu‘s fashioning spoils from found objects into new desirable pieces, like fusing coniferous wood used in shipping and marble offcuts in his Spolia Collection is truly fascinating and speaks to African design’s sustainability ethos.
Parson’s Alum Lani Adeoye of Studio-Lani needs no introduction. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue and at Design Indaba, winning in the Furniture Category for Wanted Design’s Launch Pad in NYC, receiving the Silver Award at the European Product Design Awards and showing in the Rising Talents Salone Satellite during Milan Design Week. Her showcase in Lagos was the first of its kind and a true homecoming.
She also collaborates with Tunde Owolabi’s Ethnik By T.O. to source handwoven aso oke. His pieces on display using leather, aso oke, wood and upcycled mopeds are not only striking, they are eco friendly and speak to the rich tradition of limiting waste in the design process.
Feted architect Tosin Oshinowo also celebrates the aso oke fabric that is unique to western Nigeria in her glorious line of Ile-Ila chairs where cultural identity is paramount.
This year’s exhibition also emphasised the complete home, incorporating soft furnishings, as well as art from Lemi Ghariokwu, John Madu, Olumide Onapide and galleries Nike Art and Bloom Art.
Businesswoman Newbold is already thinking about the next levels. “The opportunity to do this today, to tell our own stories using our own pieces is exciting. We are thrilled that it has become the product and design exhibition of note, and we can’t wait to expand our focus to the rest of West Africa next year”.