By presenting his show in a New York context, Hefer makes an important statement about Africa. He tells a story of a continent embracing a strong artisanal spirit, rather than relying on mass-production from ‘the mothership’ global economy. He urges us to interrogate why we are so removed from our natural environments.

An exploration into perception and natural instinct, Hefer’s Heart of Lightness will invoke a new discourse around the sensibilities of handmade design, the joy of child-like reception and the transformative effects of meditation. With drama and intrigue, Hefer’s pieces challenge us to shed what is learned for what is inherently and unconsciously known – to examine our responses, preconceptions and limitations.

Here lies an opportunity to reconnect the senses, embrace visceral reactions and to welcome an innocent, open-hearted awe. In this same vein, to inhabit Hefer’s hanging mask seat, drape yourself over his projecting leopard branch, climb inside his leather-lined human-scale hermit crab shell is not only to use a piece of furniture, but to assault your senses.

Heart of Lightness is showing at R & Company from 16 January 2017 – 19 March 2017.