The PPC Imaginarium showcase is an ambitious celebration of the beauty and versatility of concrete and the recognition of exceptional talent and artistry in South Africa.
'I want to give you something you know but when you see it, it should shock you and take you to another level of art.' Fashion designer Luxolo.An expert panel of designers and industry leaders waded through over 400 submissions of concrete-inspired art and objects across 6 different categories: architecture, fashion, industrial design, sculpture, jewellery and film. The winner of each category received R50 000 and a platform to kickstart their creative careers.
The Hillbrow Tower by Jacobus Smit stands in the Young Blood Gallery on Bree Street, Cape Town.Last night, the overall winners of R100 000 grand prize was announced at Young Blood gallery. The winners of the industrial design category, Martin Bolton and Craig Tyndall, were awarded the ultimate title for their beautifully designed speaker unit made primary from concrete combined with Perspex and wood. Martin is an industrial designer and researcher and Craig has a background in civil engineering.
This speaker by Craig and Martin was the winner of the industrial design category and also took home the ultimate grand-prize.For the construction of the concrete speaker, the pair were inspired by the works of Heinz Isler and Felix Candala who are famous for pushing the boundaries of thin shell-like structures. The shape of the speaker horn, reminiscent of the indigenous African trumpet made from a Kudu horn, carries the sound outward and towards its audience. 'This piece is an excellent example of a product that challenges the perception of concrete as an everyday construction material. The clever thinking combines simple, elegant form with superior audio functionality,' applauded the Imaginarium panel.
The PPC Imaginarium offers participants a comprehensive platform in its financial support, mentorship, workshops, exhibition opportunities and media exposure.
Keilauren's sculpture 'butcher babies' represents the repercussions of child abuse.
The winner of the sculpture category, Mhlonishwa Chiliza. The objects reflect on the artists experience of living in a hostel.
Jessica Douche explores the relationship between manpower and tools, highlighting some of the invisible forms of socio-economic exploitation in South Africa's labour market.
