Iwalewahaus

—literal translation of the Yoruba term ›Iwalewa‹

The Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth has been showing contemporary art from Africa for over thirty years. Within Germany it offers a unique space for exhibitions, research and teaching, for collections and a comprehensive archive as well as artist residencies and events.

Having been brought to their notice via our work for ›BLNRB‹ (Berlin/Nairobi), the Iwalewahaus team contacted us in 2012. They wanted to combine their upcoming move into a 2300 sqm historic building with a strategic repositioning, accompanied by the development of a suitable visual language.

Based on detailed conversations about the Iwalewahaus history and future goals we developed a black and white design system. It reflects not only a definion of art that's both unapologetic and at times inconvenient but also the self-concept of the Iwalewahaus as an authority regarding research and teaching.

»The house convinces via the selection of works, artists and content. The house itself stays in the visual background.« It's this overarching theme which connects all our design work for Iwalewahaus. We also help the team help itself, by creating templates which allow to translate the design requirements into the museums daily work.

We realised their desire for an accessible website, fought together to have the stucco in the entrance area painted black (Iwalewahaus Building), crossed our collective fingers when faced with the odd architectural challenge and look forward to working together time and again. And we're happy to have become part of the Iwalewahaus family.

With Roland Miller / Guangzhou
Photos ›Stolen Moments‹: Sabine Linn / Iwalewahaus