South African designer Porky Hefer is nothing if not upbeat about wanting people to live on a lighter note by drawing them closer to nature’s intrinsic beauty. His nests require visitors to take a step back from the everyday and contemplate nature’s gifts, albeit through the cutouts of his animal-shaped works.
Hefer’s first solo exhibition at New York gallery R & Company takes a detour by tackling a serious subject. Titled 'Heart of Lightness' – a play on Joseph Conrad’s classic Heart of Darkness – the exhibition of new works asks the audience to counter the book’s grim tale of colonialism and race by using Hefer's creations as a retreat to analyse and rethink their view of humanity.
Installation view of 'Heart of Lightness', by Porky Hefer
A series of seven striking sculptural pieces are arranged around the main floor. Eschewing technology – 'it evolves too quickly to be of practical use' – Hefer hires artisans from the Cape Town Society for the Blind, a point of pride for the artist who wants to protect the skills of the indigenous crafts industry. Rattan and raffia are woven and stitched, while different fibers are spliced together and wrapped around a steel framework; one creation, Shell Seating, is speckled in Nguni cowhide.
Hefer's works recall South Africa’s past, the earthy materials creating a stark contrast to the brightly coloured walls, which the artist says were inspired by pop art and Memphis design movements.
Seven sculptural pieces are scattered around the main floor
Rattan and raffia are woven and stitched, while different fibers are spliced together and wrapped around a steel framework
INFORMATION
’Heart of Lightness’ is on view until 23 February. For more information, visit the R & Company website
ADDRESS
R & Company
82 Franklin St
New York, NY 10013
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Ralph Pucci’s new Provence exhibition celebrates sculpture in its purest formTo mark 70 years of Ralph Pucci International, the New York gallery is collaborating with top designers to bring scaled, textural forms to Château La Coste
-
New York Design Week 2025: live updates from the Wallpaper* teamNow through 21 May, design is taking over the Big Apple. Here's the latest news, launches and other goings-on from NYCxDesign, as seen by Wallpaper* editors.
-
What not to miss at NYCxDesign 2025, according to our editorsFrom mega furniture fairs to can't-miss parties, here's what to catch at North America's biggest celebration of design
-
Basic.Space launches its first IRL shopping event – in an empty West Hollywood mallWith the launch of its first in-person event in LA this weekend, the e-commerce platform is looking to bring collectible design to a whole new audience
-
Design Miami 2024 is alive with possibility: here are 14 things to seeDesign Miami 2024 opens 4-8 December – let Wallpaper* guide you to the highlights, from dazzling installations to plump sofas and anthropomorphic sculptures
-
Nendo’s collaborations with Kyoto artisans go on view in New York‘Nendo sees Kyoto’ is on view at Friedman Benda (until 15 October 2022), showcasing the design studio's collaboration with six artisans specialised in ancient Japanese crafts
-
Italian craftsmanship comes to Los Angeles in this eclectic Venice Canals apartmentBoffi Los Angeles celebrates a juxtaposition of texture throughout a waterside bolthole
-
Design Miami/Basel 2022 explores the Golden AgeDesign Miami/Basel 2022, led by curatorial director Maria Cristina Didero, offers a positive spin after the unprecedented times of the pandemic, and looks at the history and spirit of design
