porky hefer channels chemical reactions with molecule-shaped seating pods

cape town-based gallery southern guild is set to present a punch of ‘african-pop’ vibes, including major new works by artist porky hefer at design miami/ 2019. hefer previously designed a series of sculptural seating pods depicting endangered species, taking the form of an oversized orangutan, polar bear, sloth, blue whale, and great white shark. now, the artist draws from the complexity of human connections to both each other and the natural world with his latest work. ‘molecules’ comprises a new collection of leather hanging pods that form the centerpiece of the gallery’s booth. 

all images by hayden phipps, courtesy of southern guild

hefer’s collection of three suspended orbs bear titles that relate to the chemical compounds they represent: dihydrogen monoxide, fluoroheliate monoxide and hydrogen difluoride. each of the pieces is wrapped in bold, brilliant leathers that pay homage to the international color codes atoms are known by — white for hydrogen, red for oxygen, green for chlorine. internally, the pods are plushly lined with sheepskin, inviting people to climb inside and nestle within.

the ‘molecules’ have been manufactured by the leather artisans at wolf & maiden in cape town. founder wade ross skinner and his team of leathersmiths worked closely with hefer, applying impeccable craftsmanship on a large scale. the collection is inspired by the idea of molecules being made up of atoms held together by chemical bonds that form as a result of the sharing or exchange of electrons. the project also continues the artist’s ongoing fascination with the reactions and energy a piece can generate within a space. find ‘molecules’ at southern guild’s booth at design miami/ 2019.

project info: 

artist: porky hefer

gallery: southern guild

presented at: design miami/ 2019