The Most Notable Congolese Painters You Need To Know

Congolese “popular painting” works were created for the masses – they were colourful and, however light-hearted they may seem, almost always had a political undertone. The paintings were essentially linked to daily life in the Congo and these artists portrayed the zeitgeist of the time.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly the Belgian colony of Zaire, birthed many fascinating artists. Their works depict prominent political figures, the country’s struggle to independence, and life in general, hardship and all. These painters were essentially important social and political commentators.

Burozi

Burozi often depicted Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the country, in his paintings. Lumumba was the founder of the National Congolese Movement and spoke out about colonial rule and the atrocities attached to it – this put him in the firing line and he was arrested multiple times. Burozi commented on the political situation in the country by including Lumumba’s image in many of his painting.

Chéri Chérin’s colourful paintings explored issues regarding urban life and touched on politics as well, specifically regarding military dictator, and President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko’s rule. Mobutu was a controversial leader who was unseated in a rebellion after 32 years in power. Paintings focusing on life in the DRC often portrayed busy stalls and people at work, such as in Wax print seller.

Chéri Chérin (b. 1955), Wax print seller; Kinshasa, DRC, 2002. Oil on canvas

Chéri Samba

Samba was a self-trained cartoonist who focused mainly on neocolonialism, child soldiers and war. His paintings exposed the social, political and economic realities of the time and his unique style has been recognised across the globe. Samba is also the founder of the School of Popular Painting in Kinshasa.

Ngoy Mulume

Ngoy Mulume’s paintings had a harsh political undercurrent and showed the brutalities of colonial rule, so evident in the image below.

Sim Simaro

Simaro’s work was mostly of a lighter tone. He liked painting buses and detailing transportation issues in his works – which in turn projects life in Kinshasa.

Tinda Lwimba

Lwimba’s work is said to be mostly inspired by the Tabwa ethnic group living near Lake Tanganyika, he did however also depict local life in the DRC. ‘Popular painting’ works were widely produced for individuals (as opposed to collectors), sometimes via commissions, and as such often portrayed entertaining and cheerful scenes.

Visit the Congo Art Works: Popular Painting exhibition, on until August 31 at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Gorky Park, Moscow.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.