Navigating identity and community through decolonial design practices with Kuiyu Kang'ari
Welcome to a new episode of Maker Stories.
In this episode, I invite you to join me for an honest and in-depth conversation with Kuiyu Kang'ari, a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and founder of Liquid Lemn. As we explore the powerful intersections of decoloniality and storytelling in design, I reflect on my own journey connecting with black and brown creatives, and the unique depth and spirituality that shines through their work.
In our discussion, Kuiyu Kang'ari opens up about navigating identity, embracing community, and building design practices rooted in heritage and joy. We share stories about the influence of African culture, from food rituals to textiles, and talk through the impact of colonization and generational trauma on our creative paths. This episode is about more than just design; it’s about connection, healing, and imagining new, communal ways forward. Come along as I seek inspiration, connection, and new narratives together with my guest.
Want to know more about the designer:
Kuiyu Kang’ari is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur and founder of Liquid Lemn, an Afro-futurist fashion house of non-binary wear using East African Textiles.
More info:
liquidlemn.com
www.instagram.com/kuiyucreates/.
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CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
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Do you want to hear more maker stories or find out what Design Platform Rotterdam has to offer? Then take a look at the Design Platform Rotterdam website.
CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
Maker Stories
Stap achter de schermen van design met Designplatform Rotterdam. Dit gaat niet over gepolijste eindproducten, het gaat om de rommelige, spannende en eerlijke reis van het maken. Van doorbraken tot twijfels, van experimenten tot mislukkingen, hoor hoe ideeën vorm krijgen, botsen en zich ontwikkelen.
Curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia spreekt met ontwerpers van nu over identiteit, technologie, duurzaamheid, gemeenschap en meer. Elke aflevering biedt nieuwe perspectieven: collectief werken, co-creatie, digitale innovatie, regeneratief design, storytelling en maatschappelijke impact.
Met stemmen variërend van opkomende makers tot gevestigde namen, biedt Maker Stories een zeldzaam kijkje achter de schermen van design als een levend, voortdurend proces. Laat je inspireren, verrassen en uitdagen en ontdek wat er écht nodig is om iets te maken dat ertoe doet.
Step behind the scenes of design with Designplatform Rotterdam. This isn’t about polished final products, it’s about the messy, thrilling, and honest journey of making. From breakthroughs to doubts, experiments to failures, hear how ideas take shape, clash, and evolve.
Join curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia as she talks with today’s designers about identity, technology, sustainability, community, and more. Each episode brings fresh perspectives: collective work, co-creation, digital innovation, regenerative design, storytelling, and social impact.
With voices ranging from emerging makers to established names, Maker Stories offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at design as a living, evolving process. Be inspired, surprised, and challenged and see what it really takes to make something that matters.