Africa Calling Labs With Lakwena Maciver

AC Labs presents a special evening with London-based Artist Lakwena Maciver and guests.

Lakwena’s work spans illustration, graphic design, set design and large-scale paintings and murals and is fast-becoming as well known for her work in outdoor environments as in the gallery.

Working largely with bold graphics and adornment as a means to communicate, her style explores how these decorative instincts manifest in popular culture and the urban environment.

In this PechaKucha style talk, Lakwena will present a dynamic visual introduction to her work and inspiration so far, including the launch of her first solo show and her recent trip to South Africa with Africa Calling as part of the SA-UK Seasons programme.

Following her presentation, Lakwena will then be joined by a guest panel in a discussion about African and British design.

Long featuring in the Western consciousness only as a land of unending suffering, Africa is finally becoming a place of rapidly falling poverty, increasing investment, and young, ambitious populations. With the rise of creativity and innovation stemming from the continent, we ask ‘what does it mean to be an ‘African’ artist or designer creating work in London?’

In this interactive discussion, invited guests will talk about what can be done to create more opportunities for exchange and development of the creative industries. How might we start to break down the perception of a monolithic Africa and start engaging with authentic, individual cultures and stories?

This free evening discussion will be chaired by Africa Calling Co-director Lola Young and will be followed by an informal networking evening.

Founded and produced by Shake the Dust, Africa Calling launched in September 2014 as part of the Southbank Centre’s Africa Utopia Festival, offering the best of contemporary design and enhancing people’s understanding of a contemporary creative Africa.

Tickets are free, but booking is essential.