African Contemporary

The M’Afrique exhibition held during Milan design week dismisses the notion that African inspired design is founded on the philosophy of skins, sticks, and beige.

These masters are creating furniture that will fit comfortably and dramatically into any contemporary space.

Some Like It Hot

Many designers are choosing intense colors because clients are becoming more courageous in their use, as demonstrated in this Paris apartment.

Intense color palettes present a perfect backdrop for the introduction of African wax fabrics that make the creation of an African-inspired esthetic seamless.

See more interiors in “The Way We Live with Color,” by Stafford Cliff (photography by Gilles de Chabaneix)

Who Knows Tomorrow?

During the summer, five internationally renowned artists of African descent will show their art on the grounds of the National Galerie, Berlin.

El Anatsui, Zarina Bhimiji, Antonie Ole, Yinka Shonibare, and Pascale Marthine Tayou have been invited to present themselves in the various architecturally significant buildings in which the National Galerie accommodates its large collection of art from the 19th to 21st century.

The participating artists prompt a dialog on questions that, in the face of current radical economic racial, social, and political changes, are more relevant than ever.

Here are some selected works by the Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.

Worth the Wait

This dish is easy to prepare but takes a little patience. My favorite is the large lima beans. Enjoy.

From  The Caribbean, Central & South American Cookbook, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli.

Live from London

With the explosion of African-inspired fashion emanating from the UK, the shelter magazines are responding with quality focus on African inspired interiors.

“Living etc.” is one of many, and hopefully more to come.

Textile Vignettes

Modern African textiles combined with everyday furnishings can result in a dramatic change in a small corner of your home.

This upholstered side table combined with a simple chest of drawers painted coordinate with unique pillows by Eva Sonaike complete the makeover.

Less is More

A monotone approach to color strategy is an excellent way to create a neutral canvas of sorts to paint these interior pictures.

These studies illustrated in “The Way We Live with Color,” by Stafford Cliff (photography by Gilles de Chabaneix) show how effective the use of dark furnishings with the proper texture play against light walls. It gives the lovers of beige hope.

African Art Goes Japanese

If there was ever a question about the worldwide appeal of modern African-inspired art, one need only look at this presentation in the Tokyo subway.  Each mural is over 100 feet long!

Clearly this artistic expression reinforces the notion of a fusion of cultures.

Juneteenth Celebration

One of the many foods brought to the Americas by the Africans is Okra.  Not familiar to some, but certainly to my West-Indian brothers and sisters. Too many recipes to mention here, but this salad will remind us of these contributions to our table.  Happy Juneteenth.

From  The Caribbean, Central & South American Cookbook, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli.

Path to Peace

In September 2005 Macy’s introduced the first Path to Peace baskets. The partnership with Rwandan artisans established a global market for these unique works of art.  The initial modest collection of baskets only available online at Macy’s.com and the Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square has expanded to other Macy’s location as well as a presence on
www. fairwindstrading .com.

While keeping a focus on the individual artisans, the expansion to textiles and most importantly products for every day use helps move the merchandise perceptions from crafts and collectibles to home fashion, opening up enormous expansion opportunities.