PROJECT
NEW PATTERNS WORKSHOP DAVEYTON
The New Patterns: Style of Sounds Workshop was both a learning programme and a pedagogical exercise. The New Patterns artistic programme aims to decentre fashion knowledge production through ways of teaching and learning and to welcome new, decolonial fashion knowledges in terms of both content and its frameworks.
Despite rich historical evidence in buildings, stories and memories, much of Daveyton’s past is dispersed as overlooked fragments of history. Since 2021, Erica de Greef has worked closely with Daveyton-based researcher Bongani Tau, founder of Abengoni and Daveyton1520, exploring ways in which fashion can be used to address historical erasure. Together, they asked what it could mean to position Daveyton as the site for a new curriculum project, and how thinking from Daveyton could contribute towards decolonising pedagogical practices in design and related disciplines. And so, in January 2024 the New Patterns: Style of Sounds Workshop took place in Daveyton on the East Rand of Johannesburg. The New Patterns workshop, supported by the National Arts Council, was presented by AFRI and coordinated by Scott Williams.
It was hosted by the Rhoo Hlatshwayo Art Centre and Brima Café, both well-known establishments in Daveyton, from 17-19 January 2024. Drawing on the power of fashion as a route to rewrite histories, the workshop invited fashion thinkers, thrifters, digital photographers, musicians, stylists, educators and entrepreneurs to tap into the collective memories of the township in order to redress historical absences. Fashion played a significant role in the lives of its residents and acts as a powerful archive and a placemaking device. Over three days, they mapped out various fashion histories drawing on photographic records, material biographies, upcycling practices and oral knowledges. The workshop culminated in a recreated jazz event, and the production of a series of digital photographs and short film.
Contributors:
Caterer Thandeka Zezuliwe
Academic Dr Sifiso Mnisi Zondo
Visiting researcher Dr Angela Jansen
Patch & Stitch founder Collen Shoko
Stylist Sbonelo Caroline Mlangeni
Saxophonist Karabo Mohlala
Drummer Mafa Ngubo
Singer Africa Dlamini
History teacher Mr Arnold Letwaba
Journalist Rhulani Fundzama
Designer Khumo Morojele
Model Ntombi Sibanyoni
Model Kgomotso Mashele
Make-up artist Koketso Keele
Stylist Macdonald Nkosi
Designer Patience Tsoagong
Upcyler Caroline Maluka
Model Dumsane Mabuza
Designer Landokuhle Gumede
DJ and artist Lisolomzi Pikoli
Camera assistant Tshepo Modupi
Digital creative Sammy Madimetse
Business entrepreneur Tshepo Mekoa
Logistics marketing manager Nhlanhla Peega
AFRI’s co-founder Lesiba Mabitsela
Security Mpendulo Lukhele
Daveyton tourism founder Brian Dubazana
Filmmaker Mageba Nkosi
Photographer Simphiwe Majozi
Daveyton1520 founder Bongani Tau
Researcher Dr Erica de Greef
Centre manager Mdu Mdlalose
PHOTO CREDITS
Mageba Nkosi
Simphiwe Majozi
Bongani Tau
Erica de Greef
OUTPUTS:
6 new historical portraits
A new creative community
(K)new visual archives
1 short shareable film
Future fashion-led research
NEW PATTERNS is a three-year artistic programme led by the African Fashion Research Institute with the support of the National Arts Council. Phase One consists of research workshops and artistic programming that follow patterns of making and wearing across histories of style, craft and meaning, with in-person workshops in Durban, Daveyton and Mapungubwe, and online engagement through Instagram and other social media platforms.