South Africa’s own Jan Ernst is a multidisciplinary creative specialising in functional art and spatial design using clay as his main medium. The work is driven by his fascination with natural structures such as corals, fungi, and rock formations. His organic designs stem from his abstract understanding of form and space influenced by his background in architecture, his connection with the natural world, and his South African heritage.
He is currently exhibiting his collectible design pieces through the New York branch of international contemporary sculptural design and art gallery, Galerie Philia. After this leg of the exhibition, entitled ‘Into the Wild’, select pieces move on to Galerie Philia in Paris.
‘Into the Wild’ is an original concept organised by Galerie Philia that showcases hand-sculpted art design pieces in natural landscapes. According to the gallery, ‘this physical translation enables the public to admire the design artworks in a novel way by creating a fruitful discrepancy. The eyes not only look but apprehend the works creatively in this particular context. Silent resonances hatch and multiply between the artworks and the surrounding nature. The idea is to convey a distinct sight of what sculptural design work is…’
Ernst’s poetic clay works are pictured against the spectacular setting of the Cederberg region in South Africa. Driven by his fascination with natural structures, Ernst presents his sculptural artworks in an enigmatic natural environment where marks of ancient human presence can be felt.
Says Ernst: ‘It’s incredible to be taking a bit of South Africa to the show, as my work is inspired by the natural landscapes that we have here. Most of the designers on the show come from Europe and the US, so it’s refreshing to see designs from other parts of the world that attract interest. And it’s fantastic to exhibit in New York and Paris, where the elite of the design world hang out!’
‘It’s an incredible honour to be exhibiting with other emerging and established artists from around the world; there are some very big names on the show: such as Rick Owens, who is a well-known fashion designer. I’m thrilled to be on an international platform with designers of that caliber.’
In addition to showcasing internationally, Ernst recently exhibited his work here in South Africa as part of the landmark group show ‘Right Here, Right Now!’ at Union House in Cape Town. This substantial exhibition of contemporary local design and art debuted new pieces by a range of designers and finalists of the Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search (HYD).
For more information on Jan Ernst click here
For more information on Galerie Philia click here
