Design and decorative arts
Objects and furniture.
Between the ritual object and the contemporary work lies a vast field: design and decorative arts. Furniture, lighting, ceramics, everyday objects: Africa invents here too.
A field the founder knows from the inside
Design featured, alongside tribal art and contemporary African art, in the programme of the Edith Mbella Gallery in Madrid. In Douala, Espace Bolo runs an e-commerce project dedicated to made-in-Africa art and design. The practice draws on these concrete experiences.
What the expertise covers
- Furniture and objects created by contemporary designers from the continent or the diaspora.
- Utilitarian objects of traditional craft: seats, vessels, decorated tools.
- Pieces of African inspiration produced in Europe architects’ furniture, lighting, ceramics and decorative objects.
The questions that arise
Who created the piece, in which workshop, in which series? Is it an original, a limited edition, a reproduction? How do materials and assemblies compare with the creator’s known output? See authentication.
See also: contemporary African art and textiles and adornment.
Frequently asked questions
Going further
Is African design a recognised category on the market?
It is still taking shape: values are more fluid than for classical arts. The practice helps place a piece in its context of creation and distribution.
Do you appraise antique furniture?
For pieces of African origin or African inspiration, yes, within the limits of the practice’s scope. Contemporary creations by African artisans and designers fall within this scope.
Next step
A piece of furniture, an object, a design piece?
Describe your piece in a few lines and attach photographs: the reply is confidential.