Cape Town art duo Viveka and Rucita Vassen are redefining local design through their innovative, ethically sourced creations. We caught up with the sisters behind Ananta for a peek at the Création Africa finalists’ new studio in Claremont.
Viveka and Rucita Vassen have come a long way from sourcing artisanal decor pre-pandemic. Between showings at the Brooklyn Museum, recognition from Design Indaba as an Emerging Creative, and opening a multidisciplinary design studio in Claremont, Cape Town, you could say the duo’s future looks even brighter than their brilliant creations.
Bursting with vibrant colour, beads, sequins and samples of various craft techniques, the sisters named their experimental space Ananta in homage to their Indian heritage. The Sanskrit word means ‘infinite’ and beautifully encompasses their unique approach to design and creativity. The sisters are keen collaborators to increase the richness of their art. Further, they strive to make an impact not only through their innovative creations but also by uplifting and empowering local crafters, such as the all-women craft cooperative Mielie Designs in Khayelitsha.
‘Creating beautiful pieces for clients is thrilling, and knowing it’s contributing to another person’s livelihood is even more fulfilling,’ the duo say. ‘Having clarity of our purpose and knowing that Ananta is not just about us, but about our crafters and creating positive waves of change, has given us the motivation to keep going.’ Inspired by their travels to India, where they witnessed a seamless incorporation of handcrafted techniques across design disciplines, they shifted their focus from sourcing to designing and production.
‘Back in Cape Town, we saw the untapped potential of our local bead and wire artists selling their crafts on the streets. It offered a perfect opportunity for us to interweave design and craft to create FUN-ctional art and collectable pieces while supporting our craft communities,’ the sisters explain.
They’ve recently launched a host of stunning new pieces at Decorex Johannesburg. This collection includes the playful, pineapple-inspired Annaci Drinks Unit, which incorporates beaded and sequin fringe detailing on solid eucalyptus saligna wood, and the eccentric Bimba Chair, which is crocheted from upcycled VHS tapes with flower petal detailing combined with sleek polished steel legs. They also introduced the charmingly versatile Kirana Pendants: beaded tube- shaped lights with woven print designs in warm tones, sold individually for endless styling possibilities.
For aspiring studio owners and young designers, the sisters emphasise the importance of knowing what you want to achieve through your practice. ‘It will keep you focused on the bigger goal and keep you motivated to stay on this roller coaster of entrepreneurship,’ they reflect. ‘You will never feel completely ready or be fully prepared to start a business. It takes courage and a whole lot of faith, but at the same time, it's the most exciting and fulfilling journey!’
Text by Neil Büchner Jr
