From September 12 to October 30, 2020 the Galerie MAGNIN-A and the Galerie Natalie Seroussi join forces to present an important exhibition dedicated to three iconic artists from Kinshasa (DRC): Bodys Isek Kingelez (1948-2015), Moké (1950-2001) and Chéri Samba (b. 1956) in their Parisian galleries.
These « Kings of Kin », true pioneers of the Congolese artistic scene, are the true guards of the independence of their country. Moké paints the ambiance and the sentiments, Chéri Samba takes a critical look at the global events and Bodys Isek Kingelez imagines the future. While the political life keeps on going, their work spreads more in more internationally and is today part of great public and private collections, amongst which that of the MoMA in New-York that recently organized a retrospective exhibition of Bodys Isek Kingelez.
In its space in Boulevard Richard Lenoir, MAGNIN-A chose to present the buildings of Bodys Isek Kingelez together with historical works by Moké created between 1974 and 1986 and recent and unseen works by Chéri Samba. The « Grand peintre Moké » is influenced by everyday life, the bustle and sounds of the city, develops a painting in which the Kinshasans can recognize themselves. Chéri Samba’s paintings describe in an ostentatious manner the twists of his artist life and his reflexions on the world.
At the other side of the Seine, the Galerie Natalie Seroussi focuses on the colourful and utopian buildings of Bodys Isek Kingelez. In his imaginary models, Kingelez depicts the image of a modern, prosperous and strong Africa. He often uses discarded materials to create his buildings and reminds the Congolese that they can also be the architect of their own dreams. Created between 1990 and the beginning of the 2000’s, the sculptures presented by Natalie Seroussi are also exhibited for the first time to the public.
