#91: Lefa Mokonoto
We're joined by self-taught multidisciplinary visual artist & graphic designer, Lefa Mokonoto, who tells us more about Kloof Street House, comfortable fashion, being inspired by everything, and more.
Lefa Mokonoto is a self-taught multidisciplinary visual artist and graphic designer from Klerksdorp, now based in Cape Town, South Africa. With no formal art education, she began painting in 2021, embarking on a journey of growth, experimentation, and self-discovery to develop her distinct visual style. Her work explores the intersections of identity, memory, and trauma through abstraction, using distorted figures, symbolic motifs, and fragmented eyes to create a visual language of survival and resilience. Lefa embraces the fluidity of watercolor to reflect the unpredictability of life. Her practice confronts both personal and collective histories, transforming disempowerment into powerful expressions of strength and self-reclamation.
We welcome Lefa to The FRM Newsletter to share what she’s been into recently!
🎨💥 Art
People always ask me what inspires my art, and honestly? Everything. Colors, past trauma, love, loss, healing, the world around me and my personal identity. My mind is a 24/7 brainstorming session—I never really run out of ideas. I’ve crafted this chaotic, cool style that I’m still figuring out but also trying to master.
And then people ask me what my art style is, and honestly? I have no concrete idea yet. I’ve evolved, experimented, held it in, let it out, and changed it so much that even I don’t know what to call it anymore. It’s definitely something, but abstract? I don’t think so. If anyone out there has a name for whatever this is, please—enlighten me.
🩴 Fashion
If comfort isn’t involved, I’m not involved. I love looking hot and sexy, but if I’m uncomfortable, best believe I’m staying home. Slides are my best friend. Someone once said I dress like I don’t care where I’m going… and honestly? They might be right.
But don’t be confused, I definitely have swag.
📕🤥 Books
Right now, I’m reading The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene, which is basically “Manipulation 101.” As a Pisces, manipulation is already a core strength, so I’m not sure if this is self-improvement or just concerning for everyone around me.
🥟🍶 Food
Now this is my favorite topic. Best food in Cape Town? Kloof Street House, hands down. I had a chefs special which was a beef fillet with truffle sauce, mash, and asparagus once, and I’ve been emotionally attached to that meal ever since. Simple. Elegant. Life-changing.
📸 Tips for the audience
Enjoy this life thing—you don’t know how much time you have, and it’s your first time doing it. You’re not gonna get everything right the first time, maybe not even the second. But keep going, keep doing. Because the real tragedy? Looking back and realizing you did nothing at all.