Synopsis: Jomo Tariku took inspiration for its chair from the mountain antelope, which is native to Ethiopia. Through his work, he hopes to change the world’s perception of African design.
The spiraling horns of Nyala, a mountain antelope native to Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains, have long fascinated furniture designer Jomo Tariq. Born in Kenya and raised in Ethiopia, Tariq studied industrial design at the University of Kansas before settling near Washington, DC in 2000. For his most recent seating work, Tariq drew inspiration from elements of his African heritage to design his chair by Nyala.
Made from ebony ash, the pair were made by Tariq’s frequent collaborator David Bonhof. “Through my work,” says Tariq. We want to continue the African tradition of creating objects with embedded meaning while maintaining their usefulness. ” He certainly succeeds. See the designer’s notebook for details. 28. You can also see Nyala’s chair in action at his gallery in Wexler, Philadelphia.
— Jonathan Binzen
Photo: Jomo Adachi.
from fine woodwork #303
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