Creative Sir Abner part of Design Joburg

Kibler Park resident Seboni Abner Makgamatha, better known as Sir Abner, is on the creative panel of the Design Joburg show that will take place from May 19 to 21 at Sandton Convention Centre.

The panel are driving collaborations and has pooled its resources to create a deeply immersive experience that embraces technology and tech innovations, sustainable design practices, explorations and a post-pandemic response to the world.

With his background in graphic design and multimedia, Sir Abner said it was a pleasure to be part of this panel that comprised icons such as multi-award-winning designer Rich Mnisi, award-winning contemporary multimedia visual artist Trevor Stuurman, industry icon Maira Koutsoudakis from Life Group, creative director of NATURA.co-Lab Manthe Ribane Liebmann and Cocoon Lifestyle founder Bilala Mabuza.

“As an artistic director for the well-known David Tlale brand, my work spreads into the continent. In this show, fashion will be meeting interior design. We want to show the consumer how these interact.

“I always wanted to be involved in fashion,” he said.

When asked about the show, he said this is a good platform to show the best of the best in the industry, especially in futuristic space.

“I’m honoured to be part of this, as you are not boxed in one category. You can be as creative as possible,” he said.

Sir Abner also runs his agency called Application Form (he is the founder and creative director). It puts ideas, design, fashion, aesthetics and street culture into a single vision.

For more information on Sir Abner, you can catch him on Instagram: SIR.ABNER, Twitter: @_sirbner or email: bios@application-form.co.za

Here are musts to enjoy this year’s design experience:

The Design Theatre will be a space to pause and catch up on fascinating and eye-opening design-focused talks, both from local shapeshifters and commenters and international mavens. Cocoon Lifestyle’s Bilala Mabuza will lead the curation of this engagement space.

The impressive lineup of speakers and moderators include Koutsoudakis, Mnisi, Stuurman, Sir Abner, Andrea Kleinloog, Melody Maker, Nthabi Taukobong, Peter Rich, Steve Pinto, Ann Roberts, Chris Bakker, Donald Nxumalo, Gillian Holl, Graham Wood, Kulani Keagile, Tessa Proudfoot and Trevor Sibanda.

• Headline sponsor Sanlam Private Wealth is presenting a showcase of brand-new work by leading female creatives Mpho Vackier from The Urbanative, Imiso Ceramics’ Zizi Poswa and Candice Lawrence from Modern Gesture.

• The Architects’ Gallery, a showcase of some of the country’s finest architectural projects. This year the introduction of a three-dimensional immersive element will bring each of the buildings in the gallery to life.

• Always a hit with visitors, the Hendrick’s Gin Bar returns using the iconic gin’s signature blend of 11 botanicals as its design cue.

• Once Again, the show’s restaurant will be a focal point and an immersive space where design, architecture and food converge.

• The best part of a show with a design bent is the opportunity to shop and the Retail Corridor is a dedicated space where visitors can take a slew of locally designed lust-haves home with them – from cushions to ceramics and of course a phone full of images to mull over for further at-home inspiration.

• Into the metaverse, virtual reality, augmented reality and other cutting-edge digital technologies are among the key features at Design Joburg 2022, with visitors being treated to an immersive trip into the metaverse, a series of expert talks, architecture, interior and design, as well as life in general.

• Architectural tours – this year’s programme includes designer-led in-person building tours of iconic buildings including The Bank in Rosebank designed by Daffonchio Architects and The Leonardo in Sandton, designed by Co-Arc International Architects. The tours will have a brand-new VR component that will allow visitors to experience buildings from the inside without even leaving the gallery.