Ethiopian American designer Jomo Tariku continues to pave the way in the industry of modern African design with a highlight on the Kungdung Pembe Chair. It pays homage to the African continent through the intricate use of cultural and historic motifs applied by new materials and other details.
This chair is the first time the designer worked with bronze materials as a branch out to creating with metals. This is a big step away from the usual plastic and wood that Tariku is known to work with. He explains, "Bronze is one of the oldest materials used throughout Africa, from the Bronze Head of Ife in Nigeria to Coptic crosses and Mequmya (prayer staff) in Ethiopia," which makes it a natural choice.
African Culture-Honoring Chair Designs
Jomo Tariku Designs the Dynamic Kungdung Pembe Chair
Trend Themes
1. Cultural-motif Furniture Designs - Exploring the use of cultural and historic motifs in modern furniture design is a growing trend in the industry.
2. New Material Innovation - Designers are increasingly experimenting with unconventional materials like bronze to add unique elements to their creations.
3. Metallic Design Branch Out - Designers are expanding their repertoire by incorporating metals like bronze into furniture designs, departing from traditional wood and plastic.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - The furniture design industry is embracing cultural influences and new materials to create innovative and unique pieces.
2. Materials Manufacturing - There is an opportunity for materials manufacturers to cater to the rising demand for unconventional materials like bronze in furniture production.
3. Art and Craft Industry - The art and craft industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating cultural motifs and exploring new materials in their creations.