- Art & Design
Even though designer Kim Mupangilaï was born in Belgium, she has been gathering her identity crossing borders. Her Congolese roots are spun like a golden thread throughout her work and life, and today she lives in New York. With her furniture collection called Kasaï, she expresses her multicultural background and the sharp instincts that she has developed because of it. She plays with the tension field between functional and non-functional and translates her creativity into something that transcends the tangible.
The designer always deliberately turns to Congo in her choice of materials. Stone, teak, rattan and banana fibre are all references to the local culture and ways to include this influence in her portfolio. For instance, rattan is traditionally used for rugs, baskets and textiles, and the regional kitchen cannot go without banana leaves. Teak and stone represent the natural resources of the country. By giving her pieces almost exaggerated strong shapes, she also highlights their primary function with a lasting sensuality. If you want to immerse yourself in Mupangilaï’s work, you should pay attention to the notions of femininity, history, culture, and the region that lie at its origin. From beginning to end, the collection is really personal, which simultaneously promotes her to an utmost introspective and layered persona. She previously studied graphic design and interior architecture, respectively at LUCA School of Arts and KU Leuven. Before coming out with her own furniture, she worked on quite a few residential and commercial interior design projects. These previous experiences allow her to conceptualise entire spaces in addition to furniture.
Duality is omnipresent here
Duality is omnipresent here. This manifests itself not only in bringing together a functional purpose and unconventional forms, but also in her own identity and perception. At the same time, the work reflects her overarching vision, namely that design should give equal prestige to utility and aesthetics. Partly because she approaches her craft through such a lens, she is increasingly evolving into one of the emerging talents who bring together identity, vision, and the search for something of her own. As such, this collection is undoubtedly far from being all she has to offer. Each design by her hand can either stand alone or blossom completely when combined with other names from the collection. Experimental, visionary and honest features recur several times throughout the entire set. Across cultures and stories, she creates a connection that touches all kinds of design lovers. In any case, we are an enduring fan of Kim Mupangilaï and the way she draws from her personal life to contribute to the industry. And that everything is genuine is proven by the path she has taken so far. From staying in minimal comfort to the life she enjoys now, her trail inspires. In the future, she will no doubt bring out more high-profile collections. 
Superhouse, Kim Mupangilaï
Photography by Luis Corzo