Pic: Rosette Sideboard, 2007. Veneer board under mild steel plates with antique copper finish
Bank Gallery steers towards the design world with a show by internationally renowned EGG.
Bank Gallery continues to raise the bar in Durban, but this time has decided to steer towards the design world with a show by internationally renowned Egg. The exhibition entitled A Retrospective, showcases furniture works from the studio of Egg, which will be exhibited as an entire collection for the first time. The show includes work from the last six years as well as new works made in 2008, most of which have never been seen in Durban before.
Egg do not adhere to any set formula of design but approach every project with a common contemporary design solution. Their contemporary design influences come from constant travel and visits to international design fairs. They use these sources of reference in a national context.
The works on show at Bank Gallery are noteworthy because of their incorporation of natural and indigenous environmental influences and the inspiration that these offer. It is the interpretation of this that gives the various collections their common thread, which only becomes evident from seeing the entire collection together in a retrospective.
The furniture and products cover a large spectrum of materials and finishes not commonly associated with furniture. The applications thereof, bear markings of graphic design and elements that are fundamental to furniture and are not just superficial ornamentation.
In 2001 the British Rail Interiors rated Egg as one of the ten hottest emerging design companies. They have moved in leaps and bounds since then, exhibiting their innovative and eclectic designs both internationally and locally, as well as winning Designers of the Year at the Elle Decoration International Design Awards (EDIDA) in both 2003 and 2004. Elle commented, “Greg and Roche Dry represent a new breed of local designers who, inspired by our African heritage, are creating a new design language that is neither ethnic nor clichéd.”
In 2003 and 2004 they were also invited to participate in the 100% Design exhibition in London. In 2006 they exhibited at the Amaridian Gallery in New York and were part of Design Meets Art at Gallery Momo in Johannesburg in 2007.
Egg offer a holistic design approach and have established collaborations with various companies which allows them to be in a unique position to advise clients on marketing, merchandising strategies, brand building, graphic interpretation, multi-media & architecture - all of which closely relate to interior design. Egg’s subsidiary company, Milk Products, specializes in product design, enabling them to provide a service of custom designed furniture, lighting, and all interior-related fittings and fixtures. Egg are thus qualified to address problems of inadequate local design systems & the expense of product development. Egg’s expertise comes from 14 years experience In the field and the end product is complete, professional and thoroughly considered. Egg has worked with the likes of Mr Price, Jockey, Woolworths, Virgin, Unilever, Science Museum, Rothmans, Formula one store, British American tobacco, Bar Go and Galaxy.
EGG: A Retrospective runs until October 30. Entrance to the exhibition is free. School and tertiary education parties are welcome. Bank Gallery is situated at 217 Florida Rd, Morningside, Durban. More information on 031 312 6911 or email: info@bankgallery.co.za
Posts
