International Acclaim for African Art
The artistic influence of the African continent is heavily present in the work of many distinguished international artists and designers. Take Picasso, for example, who controversially created iconic works strongly influenced by African sculpture.
While art has been created and inspired by Africans for centuries, it was only in the 1990s that the world began acknowledging the names of these great artists and the influence they were having on global culture. A poignant example of this can be seen in the life of Esther Mahlangu. While the Ndebele visionary had been painting since 1945, she only received true recognition of her work in 1989.
Before the international recognition of the early 1990s, African art and design were relegated to the realm of ‘curio’ and ‘craft’. Objects from the continent were tokenised under a colonial gaze.
Since then, times have continued to change. In recent years, we’ve seen major accomplishments for ingenious creatives such as Virgil Abloh, who became the first African-American art director at a major French luxury fashion house (Louis Vuitton). Adidas’s recent collaboration on the memorable collections of South African designers Rich Mnisi and Thebe Magugu was another pivotal moment for African and South African design.
The 2022 Rich Mnisi range for Adidas
Elevating the profile of African design on the world stage has always been part of Houtlander’s mission. It’s why we started our collectable design range and it’s why we continuously strive for excellence in quality and elevation in artistry.
Over the years, we’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with some of South Africa’s most talented artists and visionaries to create works of enduring value. These designs can now be seen in some of the most famous galleries and exhibition spaces around the world, something we’re immensely proud of.
Our most recent collaboration in this vein was with the ineffable Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T Design Studio, with whom we previously collaborated on the Hlabisa Bench.
Thabisa sought our assistance after being approached by Dolce and Gabbana to create a piece for its interior ‘Casa’ line, to be showcased at Milan Design Week. We were once again honoured by the opportunity to work with her and immediately agreed.
Reflecting after this grand event in April, which our founder Phillip was able to attend, we were inspired to write this blog. We feel it’s important to remember this feeling – a warm appreciation of our achievements and our ability to walk alongside such incredibly talented individuals as they represent South Africa and the wider continent on the global design stage.
Our visions are valuable, our work enduring and our pride unwavering. We hope you enjoy this brief reflection on our latest collaboration with Thabisa, and our prior work which now sits proudly in the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
‘Dynamic Tension’ by Thabisa Mjo
Milan Design Week 2024 marked a milestone in our journey at Houtlander and the broader African design community, celebrating the exceptional talent of Thabisa Mjo from Mash.T Design Studio. In a defining moment for our continent's creative community, Mjo’s masterpiece, “Dynamic Tension”, was unveiled as part of the prestigious Dolce & Gabbana Next Generation Programme.
This visionary project saw Houtlander collaborating with Thabisa and Qaqambile Bead Studio, resulting in an extraordinary fusion of artistic expressions. The two chairs Thabisa created are a testament to her innovative spirit, with one featuring convex mirror inlays and the other adorned with intricate hand beading. These design elements poignantly symbolise the interplay of masculine and feminine forces, coming together in a dynamic dance of wholeness.
We are immensely proud to have played a role in bringing Thabisa's creative vision to life and applaud her for this remarkable achievement. This collaboration stands as a shining example of the power and beauty of African design on the world stage.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, we at Houtlander feel a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Our collaboration with Thabisa and other talented artists continues to spotlight South Africa and the wider continent on the global design stage, celebrating the enduring value and beauty of our collective work. 
Hlabisa Bench
During this project we were reminded of our earlier partnership with Thabisa on the Hlabisa Bench. This collaboration in 2019 marked a historic moment as it became the first South African object to enter the Design section of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The Hlabisa Bench is a poignant creation, bringing together the ancient techniques of the Zulu basket weavers led by Angeline Masuku, the visionary designs of Mash.T Design Studio, and our craftsmanship at Houtlander. This bench is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a cross-cultural story encapsulated in a beautifully woven form. The original bench took six women 1,350 hours to create, showcasing the dedication and skill of these remarkable artisans.
We have since deepened our relationship with Angeline and the weavers of Hlabisa, leading to the creation of a series of woven benches. We feel incredibly privileged to work alongside these extraordinary artists, nurturing and supporting their beautiful weaving techniques and the livelihoods of their communities. Today, the Hlabisa Bench is displayed in galleries and homes worldwide, becoming a sought-after collectable that symbolises a significant achievement in African design.
Hlabisa Baskets: Vessels of Heritage and Global Perspective
Zulu basketry has deep roots in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. It embodies an age-old cultural history intertwined with an intimate understanding of the natural environment. Traditionally, these baskets were crafted for functional purposes such as food storage, linked to the rituals of meal preparation and consumption.
For many rural basket weavers, the production and sale of these handicrafts provide a vital source of income. The elevation of African artisans and designers over the past 30 years has played a crucial role in transforming their lives, offering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
For Angeline, who began weaving baskets at the age of eight, the newfound recognition of traditional African design has allowed her to exhibit in international galleries and earn significantly more steady income. She’s now celebrated globally as an artist, rather than a rural crafter. This encapsulates the importance of equal recognition within the realm of art and design. There is power in creating a stage for local artisans to be showcased. It is hugely transformative when people who once survived close to the breadline can now provide for their families and create a sustainable living through their art.
The profound achievements we’ve witnessed over the past 30 years signify our collective cultural heritage and connectedness. Through the exceptional contributions of African visionaries, the global artistic landscape is enriched and new pathways toward critical acclaim are built.
We regard these achievements as major wins for South African and African design and are moved to be part of this transformative journey. We hope to continue to foster these relationships, uplift communities and celebrate incredible talent. Our involvement in these projects connects us to our country and ignites our enthusiasm for the future of South African design.