Atang Tshikare, "Maotwana Finyela", Bronze Sculptural Seat

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Atang Tshikare, "Maotwana Finyela", Bronze Sculptural Seat

About the Item

This large bronze sculpture by South African designer Atang Tshikare was first exhibited at Design Miami in 2016. A creature of his own creation, this work of functional art is both a seat and a light. Its name – "Maotwana Finyela" (meaning 'small infinite footprints') – and the story behind it are inspired by one of the many clan recitations of the Bafokeng people, who are highly regarded within the Sotho and Tswana tribes in Southern Africa. As with all of Tshikare's works, the sculpture is a three-dimensional expression of an ongoing story, conceptualised by the artist and his wife, Lexi Lekhanya-Tshikare. They write: "This exotic animal with more legs than usual is found roaming around the beautiful mountainous terrain of Lebone. It grows at least two extra legs every year and its body grows simultaneously to accommodate them. It leaves many distinct footprints and produces a melodic sound as its legs come into contact with each other when walking. These sounds are said to be the most soothing, sweetest and mesmerizing. Humans equate them to the healing powers of the stars, oceans and hot springs. This majestic creature only drinks pure spring water. It has a very strict and highly nutritional diet which consists of love-grass and its tiny seeds. "This fine plant self-fertilises and similarly Maotwana Finyela also uses asexual procreation and self-reproduces twice a year. Humans that reside within the larger Lebone expanse use the grass for charms and rituals, and to make assorted objects. They use the love-grass seeds for food, but they are so tiny and difficult to collect. These seeds are regarded as nourishment and a delicacy for the young, pregnant and elderly. When falling ill, one also searches for Maotwana Finyela, and stays in its company until they are healed. "One cannot tell the direction the creature was walking towards or away from by looking at the many footprints as its legs are all identical with a symmetrical shape and size. This makes it difficult for them to be traced because of their infinite and confusing footprints. The only way that one comes in contact with this enigmatic and rare creature is when they are strongly wishing for it and performing continuous rituals that include burning love-grass as incense." Tshikare's narrative-laden works spring from his fertile imagination, deep connection to African mythology and fascination with indigenous natural forms. He was born in Bloemfontein and began a full-time art career in 2010 with his company Zabalazaa Designs, an open platform for co-creation and innovation applying creative design-led thinking. As a self-developed multidisciplinary artist, Tshikare's work is a combination of geometric patterns and multiple mediums of sculptures based on his own narratives. Tshikare has exhibited broadly, both locally and internationally at design fairs such as Design Miami/. He is the recipient of the Southern Guild Design Foundation 2014 Future Found Award and his commissions include the likes of Adidas Originals, Nandos and JWT Marketing.

Creator:
Atang Tshikare (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 28.75 in (73 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)Seat Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze
Place of Origin:
South Africa
Period:
21st Century
Date of Manufacture:
2019
Production Type:
New & Custom(Limited Edition)
Estimated Production Time:
14-15 weeks
Condition:
Seller Location:
Capetown, ZA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4287213097391