CASSANDRA TWALA

HMC FAIR CURATOR

I am the curator of this year’s HMC Fair. My role at Artlogic is a mix of curation, creative directing, project management, as well as building and nurturing relationships. I would safely say I’m a jack of all trades.

A fair like this requires being tuned in to the local design, food and wine industries by trying new restaurants, meeting designers and being invested in what local brands are doing. Curating content from the continent requires research and connecting with the right people. We collaborate with a curator who is well versed in the African design landscape.

When choosing exhibitors,

I look for brands that have something significant or meaningful to say. The fair has reached a point where it is not enough to just be good, you have to stand out.

I didn’t overthink the design process for the earrings I made. I’m a fan of chunky accessories, paired with understated looks. I’m also drawn to the intensity of red, which to me is the focal point of the earrings.

Handmade craft means acting meaningfully. Far beyond the luxury of possessing something that has been crafted by human hands, I believe hand making brings us closer to ourselves.

I’m excited about the

new layout this year. We’ve put in a lot of effort to craft new experiences and spaces. In line with our theme: A Return to Making, we’ve introduced a “Makers Corner”, which has workshops available to the public, including ring making, weaving and ceramics.