South African Design: Past & Present
Timed Online Auction, 13 June - 9 July 2025
Interior Elements: Wood, Metal, Fibre, Ceramic & Glass Art
About the SessionThis sale traces the heritage of South African design across centuries of creative expression highlighting diverse design objects through two sessions. Uniting the sessions is a celebration of the versatility of materials - metal, wood, glass, clay, fibre - and how artists and artisans have transformed them over time into works of wonder, rich in both tradition and innovation.
About this Item
Notes
Wessel Gresse, Namibian born photographer turned carpenter, specializes in solid wood joinery. This unique, once-off piece pays homage to nature and the moon.
"The more I worked on this table, the more I realised that perfection in nature does not look like smoothly worked surfaces. Inspired by the moon and her crater-filled surface, I decided to breathe life into my work by adding texture to the legs and rails. My use of an isometric pattern for the table-top was inspired by how ancient cultures perceived geometry to be a connection between the earthly and the divine - just like the moon. Orb of the Night inspired me to push the limits of creating an organic piece. Using Oak for the structure, I wanted to contrast the soft curve of the legs with the hardness of the wood itself. The dark colour of Panga Panga also created a beautiful contrast with the Oak, just like the moon sitting in the night sky"
Orb of the Night comes to life by the blending together of a variety of influences. The table top depicts an isometric pattern, influenced by Gresse's interest in Kumiko and Sacred Geometry. These patterns are created by methodically replicating precise measurements and angles, with the intention of creating dimension on a flat surface - Japanese carpentry utilizes the same precision in the creation of their intricate Kumiko patterns. The shape of the table legs gives a nod to the work of David Savage, who incorporated curves inspired by the ocean, beaches, hedgerows, as well as the human form. Just like Savage used what was around him to draw inspiration for his creations, Gresse also taps into memories of his childhood in Namibia. The shape and texture of the table legs are influenced by the textures and patterns found in the woven baskets of the Okavango tribes.