Description/
Rich Mnisi has established himself as one the world’s celebrated figures at the forefront of African fashion and design. Vutlhari (Wisdom) is a collaboration between Mnisi and designer Charles Haupt. Working with computer-generated algorithms and parametric modelling, Haupt interpreted Mnisi’s design for the chandelier into complex, three-dimensional shapes that can be adapted digitally to allow for various configurations. Based on the form of a snake, the chandelier combines a patinated bronze armature with shades made from handcrafted resin. Vutlhari twists sinuously down from the ceiling, its tightly interlooping branches charged with an almost menacing energy. Its title translates to ‘wisdom’: attaining knowledge, Mnisi suggests, is a two-fold endeavor not without risk.
Materials: Bronze, resin, electrical components
Edition: Edition of 5 + 2 APs.
Rich Mnisi
designer
Widely heralded for his fusion of contemporary pop culture and traditional African heritage, Mnisi’s designs infuse his own personal narrative into extremist yet minimalist structures. He works across genders, seasons, geographical lines and creative disciplines, with a twin devotion to craftsmanship and experimentation.
His work has made international headlines in media outlets such as Dazed and Confused, i-D, Vice, VOGUE Italia, WWD and Sunday Times. He draws influences from film, music and photography, and he frequently art directs editorial and campaign shoots.
Mnisi made his furniture debut with two pieces for Southern Guild in 2018: Nwa-Mulamula's Chaise and Nwa-Mulamula's Tears. These organic-shaped pieces are an extension of his NwaMulamula fashion collection – a homage to the memory of his late great-grand mother, an ever-present guardian whose teachings have lived on in his family through storytelling generation after generation. The upholstered organic-shaped chaise and bronze tear-shaped stool were commissioned by Southern Guild for a group show of multidisciplinary artists, titled Extra Ordinary.
Mnisi’s second collection of sculptural seating, Alkebulan, was commissioned by Southern Guild for Communion (2019). In the same year, Mnisi won Emerging Designer of the Year at the Essence Best in Black Fashion awards, and also made the 2019 Forbes #30under30 list.
In October 2021, Mnisi held his first solo exhibition of collectible furniture, titled Nyoka, at Southern Guild. The collection – comprising seating, a console, chandelier, rug and other objects – is a bold exploration of shape and fluidity, brought vividly to life in a rich array of materials including bronze, wool, resin and glass. Nyoka drew on Mnisi’s family history and African mythology, and played with the duality of fear and beauty epitomised by the image of a snake, which gave the show its title in Xitsonga."
Date/
2021
Material/
Bronze, Resin
Dimension/
191.0 x 251.4 x 250.0 cm (75.2 x 99.0 x 98.4 in)
Heritage/
South Africa
