Bonolo Chepape – multidisciplinary textile artist, illustrator, and the founder of homeware and textile design studio Lulasclan – talks about the personal items that have defined her.
WORDS Bonolo Chepape PHOTOS Jan Ras
I chose these objects because they speak to a common thread. Each one carries a part of my life’s story, history and identity. From books that hold cultural memory to fabrics and garments that shaped my creative blueprint, these pieces reflect how history is preserved, inherited and lived. They represent rituals that deepen my understanding, objects that anchor my cultural connection, and design forms that hold the collective memory of a people. They’re objects and pieces I’ve collected and kept to remind me of the vastness of the world, the richness of culture, and a celebration of art and design.
The violin
More than 36 years old, it is a family heirloom passed down from father to daughter. It carries a quiet humour, and is a reminder of talents hoped for but not pursued. It speaks to play, possibility and the idea that not every discipline must become a profession – some exist purely for joy. More than anything, it remains a sentimental connection to a father who left it behind as an invitation for future dreams.
Ceramic piece by Anthony Shapiro
Gifted by a dear friend, this piece carries both artistic and personal meaning. I have long admired Anthony’s craftsmanship and his commitment to teaching others. When I see it, I think of our shared trade shows and the laughter between us; in these moments, I am left in stitches. It represents what creative practice should strive towards: generosity and the passing on of knowledge, friendship and joy.
Rothko by Jacob Baal-Teshuva
Acquired at an Anthropologie store in New York, this book is a masterclass in colour. Rothko’s work reminds me of the power of restraint and devotion to language; it reinforces my belief that everything is art, even the quiet discipline of balancing colour.
Traditional Pedi blanket
Passed down from my grandmother, this is one of my most sentimental pieces. It holds memories of womanhood within my cultural context; of her resting under a mango tree; of being wrapped around the waist by elders. I often sit on it when I design – a reminder of my grandmother’s presence in both spirit and object.
Patterned doek
An heirloom from my mother, this doek brings me joy through its patterned motifs, which reflect subtle Western influence alongside cultural significance across South African communities. It represents the intersection of the worlds I navigate: tradition and contemporary identity.
Calabash water vessel
An important object in my daily life, the calabash is part of a ritual passed down through my Pedi culture. Beyond its beauty, it is a tool for ancestral connection. It reminds me of the importance of knowing my background and honouring those who came before me, safeguarding the spiritual knowledge passed down through my lineage.
Henri Mattise print
Collected during my first visit to MoMA in New York; Matisse is one of my favourite artists. This print reminds me of the spirit of community and togetherness, and of the importance of collaboration and building supportive creative ecosystems. Its colour language and sense of play continue to influence my work.
Reflecting B(l)ack by The Manor
This book reveals the importance of documenting and archiving African history and culture. Through stories, imagery and representation, I find a point of connection as I shape my own understanding of how I would like to represent African culture in the future. It serves as a daily reminder of the responsibility of archiving.
Pink woven Cambodian throw
Discovered at Maison&Objet Paris, from a vintage Cambodian merchant, this textile embodies layered knowledge and craft . Made from offcut fabrics woven together, it champions silk thread, colour variation and the beauty of imperfection. It reminds me of resourcefulness, and the power of transforming remnants into something new, meaningful and environmentally conscious.
Boubou dress
A traditional Senegalese garment collected during a trip to Dakar, this piece reflects the cultural knowledge embedded in African textiles and print-making. I look to it not only to admire the natural dyeing techniques and inherited craftsmanship, but also as inspiration for my own practice, and where I hope it will evolve. | lulasclan.com
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