Jomo Tariku 'Juxtaposed: A Portal to African Design' at Philadelphia's Wexler Gallery

"I aspire to create thoughtful modern furniture that is rich in African heritage and elevated in design," says Ethiopian-American artist and furniture designer Jomo Tariku. The deep roots of design, culture, history and landscape of Africa have been significant creative influences for Tariku's distinctive oeuvre. From the Afro comb to the mountain antelope, several inextricable components of African culture mould his chairs, stools and public art sculptures.

In his first extensive solo exhibition titled Juxtaposed: A Portal to African Design at the Wexler Gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the US, the designer invites viewers on a visual journey delineated by the creative processes he has honed for over 30 years. From October 10, 2024 – January 31, 2025, the design exhibition displays Tariku's modern designs alongside historical objects, artefacts and other inspirations from the continent. "The goal of this exhibition is to communicate the deeper meaning of the objects and cultures that inspire my work and fuel my creative process," says Tariku in the show's official press release.

The exhibition space resounds in Tariku's creative vision—a pioneering one in modern African design—and rests on the foundations of Black culture, in tandem with celebrating the union of the past and present. His singular body of work, carefully expanded through the years of his practice, takes the stage at the contemporary art and design gallery. Some of his older pieces such as the Nyala Chair, Kudung Pembe Chair, Meedo Chair and Zagwe Wardrobe accompany his newest furniture designs, including the Jimma Chair, Kebero Stool, Duka Stool and Birthing Chair II.

In the Afrofuturist Room, collaborative dialogue between Tariku's reminiscent chair designs and paintings by artist Adiskidan Ambaye unfolds. A traditional birthing chair, the inspiration for the Maasai Shield Chair, anchors the space. Ambaye's abstract paintings complement the two acrylic chairs with a meticulous composition of mark-making, similar to the patterned backrests of Tariku's Maasai chairs.

The Maasai Shield Chair is evocative of the iconic Maasai shield, integrating cultural symbolism and protection into its structure, offering a statement of both artistry and strength. Meanwhile, the Birthing Chair II is designed to provide comfort and support rooted in African birthing traditions. The Jimma Chair, one of Tariku's latest product designs, also partakes in the staged repository. The striking wooden furniture draws inspiration from Ethiopian tribal aesthetics, showcasing a fusion of bold, sculptural forms with functional design.

A troupe of new stool designs by the product designer populate the gallery while echoing Tariku's visual language and approach to African design. The Kebero Stool mimics the shape of the Ethiopian drum, with circular forms and textured surfaces that evoke rhythm and movement. On the other hand, the Duka Stool speaks of the simplicity and elegance of African marketplaces, designed to be both functional and visually striking, with clean lines and sturdy construction. The Zulu Stool, another addition to Tariku's evolving oeuvre, pays homage to the heritage of the Zulu people with bold geometric patterns and symbolism injected into a sleek, modern form.

Several other stools, chairs as well as table designs from his repertoire—MeQuamya Chair, E’nsera Stool, Ashanti Stool, Dogon Stool/End Table, among others—usher viewers through a journey that reveals the tryst of culture, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Tariku's unique ability to interweave the celebration of African heritage with modern aesthetics shines through in his solo show, his sculptural designs reaffirming his vision. Symbols, materials and rituals intrinsic to the African landscape transform into sculptural pieces of furniture and art, presenting a refreshing model of form and function. Revisiting his aspirations and hopes for the ongoing show, Tariku states in the press release, "With this exhibition, I want to celebrate the past and the present while contributing to a positive cultural experience, moving the design dialogue forward by developing a new creative language based on Black culture."

Jomo Tariku's 'Juxtaposed: A Portal to African Design' is on view from October 10, 2024 – January 31, 2025, at the Wexler Gallery, 1811 Frankford avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.