The Por Amor South African cohort includes four well-established creatives. Renowned milliner Crystal Birch, textile and fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, as well as Kelvin Momo and Imraan Christian make up the collective that will be visiting Mexico for collaborative projects with complimentary Mexican peers and creatives to create a new and distinct body of work.
Chief among these creatives is Imraan who dons the hat of creative director, director, and ‘talent’ as part of the Por Amor residency. Ruminating on the value and importance of the cohort, Imraan says, “The most exciting thing about this project is that we are all experienced craftsmen and we all value craft over notoriety.” Imraan notes that he is interested in the knowledge systems inherent in Mexican culture. “I’ve read a lot, and the knowledge systems in Mexico are deeply connected to us. I think that the connections between their coast and our coast are intrinsic to how we all understand and relate to each other,” he adds, reflecting on the collectives’ upcoming artist residency.
During his recent experience in Don Julio’s Mexico residency, Christian had the opportunity to collaborate with Claudio Limon, immersing himself in Mexico’s vibrant cultural tapestry. He embraced the chance to step outside his comfort zone, drawing inspiration from the lively surroundings and fellow artists. This collaborative environment enriched his exploration of identity and social themes, igniting innovative ideas for future projects and underscoring the transformative power of artistic collaboration.
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