In a remarkable transformation, Kevin Hart's Hartbeat media company took over and redesigned the West Hollywood office building formerly owned by the Oprah Winfrey Network a year ago. Spearheaded by designer Kai Williamson of Studio 7, the space has turned into a vibrant hub for African art. Partnering with Creative Art Partners, Williamson curated an impressive collection with notable contributions from artists across Africa and the diaspora.
One standout artist featured prominently in the new office is Zimbabwe's Moffat Takadiwa, whose work adorns both the conference room and office. Takadiwa, born in Karoi, Zimbabwe, in 1983 and now based in Harare, is renowned for his intricate wall sculptures and installations crafted from found materials such as spray-can debris, bottle tops, and computer keyboard pieces. His art delves into themes of material culture, spirituality, colonialism, identity, and environmental concerns.
Kevin Hart sitting in front of a piece by Moffat Takadiwa called Found Black Keys
The impressive collection also includes pieces from other African artists, including Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey, Kenyan artist Kaloki Nyamai, and South African artist Feni Chulumanco.
Architectural Digest, having recently explored Kevin Hart's expansive new headquarters for Hartbeat, detailed the collaboration with designer Kai Williamson. Hart entrusted Williamson with this significant project after their successful collaboration on his chain of LA restaurants, Hart House. The undertaking was a substantial challenge, considering that Hartbeat's previous office was a fraction of the size. Faced with a tight timeline, Williamson had just six weeks to execute the design, handling both architectural and material selections before turning over the plans for construction permits.
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