Colour Flow 2024

The Story of Connection

Introduction

Welcome to Colour Flow 2024. The four colour and material themes for 2024 are all essentially about making connection, with each approaching this from a unique point of view. The first story Mythopoetic looks to connect with the human imagination, fantasy, poetry, myths and art, in order to envisage new directions for the future. Colours and colour experiences can inspire, support and calm people in navigating and coping with 

uncertain times. 

The second story Interconnectedness emphasises human togetherness by looking at the similarities between all humans, the things they have in common. Its narrative is about the appreciation of crafts, indigenous wisdom and history, mutual accountability and the empowerment of people through the means of culture, colour, material creation and design. 

The third story Renewal focuses on human connection with nature and natural processes, emphasising the realisation that humans are part of nature and are responsible for ensuring the healthy state of the natural environment. Renewal encourages humanity to adopt a more modest position and to make place for nature as well as becoming more resilient to climate change. 

The final story Distortion is about connecting with the ever-expanding digital worlds we are currently shaping and being accountable for their construction. Technology offers unlimited possibilities for design and we should be committed to using it for shaping positive, inspiring new worlds.

Besides making connection, the four stories also call attention to what is absent. If you look closely at current design and product development, there are striking gaps of silence and jarring absences. There are an infinite number of forgotten and untold stories, as well as designers who need more exposure and recognition, in order to broaden our view of the world and shape how the future unfolds. Paradoxically, something can attract attention by its mere absence. When we make concepts and shapes abstract or deliberately leave things out, they acquire meaning.

Storytelling is at the heart of developing and designing new products and experiences. The products we wear, experience or hold in our hands all tell unique stories of connection. Take the responsibility for connecting and expressing the language of all people and materials involved in the development of new products, leading the way to creating a better foundation for design in the future.

With Colour Flow 2024 we hope to inspire the creation of beautiful and meaningful products!

Oltmans van Niekerk

03/ Renewal Colour

03/ Renewal Material

04/ Distortion Colour

04/ Distortion Material