Shonell Van Schalkwyk

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ARTIST CATALOGUE

Lap vir Lap, Trap vir Trap

Lap vir Lap, Trap vir Trap explores cultural heritage and the connections to the community from which it originates. In particular, it focusses on the Wupperthal community. This body of work is an act of celebration. It highlights my family's culture while honouring the traditions of the Wupperthal community. It’s my method of connecting and discovering more about my family heritage. I express this mode of connection and discovery through celebrations that embrace the customs of the community, which include Rieldans and the creation of the Lappieskombers (quilt). 

This body of work explores the ideas of cultural heritage preservation, identity expression, community pride, and celebration. I investigate the inner workings of the original histories of where Rieldans and Lappieskomberse came to be and how it evolved to what it is today. Rieldans is among the oldest dance forms in South Africa, with origins tracing back to the Khoi and San of the Cape. It is executed at an energetic pace with complex footwork. The Lappieskombers is an item you will find in almost every Wupperthal household, and they were originally designed for survival. Previously, torn garments were utilised to mend a worn blanket. In its contemporary form, crafted from fabric offcuts, it serves as keepsakes for family and friends, gifts, or a means to generate additional income. In the extensive Lappieskomberse that I have developed, I incorporate stories and moments from domestic life alongside the everyday workings of farm life. 

This body of work focuses on revealing and celebrating my heritage by showcasing elements of the Wupperthal community’s culture and traditions, especially through the vibrant celebrations of Rieldans and the craftsmanship of the Lappieskombers. As I developed this space, I continuously revealed more profound insights about the world I have come to understand through the exploration of this work. 

This work fosters an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the traditions within the Wupperthal community and highlights the impact of witnessing and participating in these practices. Through engaging with this dance and continuing to celebrate it, there is a significant preservation of this historical entity. The Rieldans and Lappieskombers display communal empowerment, reflecting the rich traditions and history of the Wupperthal community.