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Kindred Studio is proud to support Futur-Velours, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering artistic dialogue between traditional artists in Ilebo, Kasai (DRC), and contemporary artists, designers, collectors, and institutions worldwide. The project bridges the rich heritage of raffia textiles with modern artistic and design practices. FV’s online platform showcases the exceptional work of artists in Kasai who continue the centuries-old tradition of creating Shoowa (also known as velours de Kasai or Kasai velvet). These intricate textiles, a hallmark of Kuba culture, are reimagined through collaborative artistic experiments.

Every Shoowa raffia piece is the result of a meticulous, months-long process that uses only natural materials. This craft celebrates improvisation and artistic freedom, producing one-of-a-kind pieces. Each artist brings their unique vision to the fabric, enriching the work with individual expression, much like the improvisational nature of jazz.

Futur-Velours.com critically examines the colonial legacy of Kuba textiles. During the colonial era, the commodification of these textiles under the influence of missionary schools led to the standardization of their intricate designs, reducing them to sterile symbols of post-colonial statehood.. By revisiting old textile works, the project seeks to reclaim the creative liberty and authenticity of this traditional art form. The textile artists from Ilebo embody this mission, reconnecting the past and future. Their work serves as a bridge between deep historical roots and contemporary innovation, “embroidering the future” by honoring tradition while embracing new creative possibilities.

Through our platform, you can collaborate with our artists to design bespoke pieces that reflect the versatility of Shoowa raffia. These textiles transcend traditional art, finding new expressions in design and fashion. Every purchase directly supports our non-profit initiative. 100% of the proceeds go toward offering fair wages to our artists and staff in Congo, creating a positive and sustainable impact on their lives.