Profile
Chéri Samba is a painter based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is known for his reflective works that blend creativity with social commentary. He moved to Kinshasa at 16 to work as a sign painter, encountering artists like Moké and Bodo. This experience, coupled with his job as an illustrator for Bilenge Info magazine, influenced his art, which often incorporates comic-strip elements like word bubbles for narrative and commentary. Samba's art, rich in chromatic palette and frequently featuring himself in the narrative, tackles themes such as social inequalities, corruption, and everyday life in Kinshasa, aiming to engage viewers without apprehension.Samba gained international recognition with his participation in the exhibition "Les Magiciens de la Terre" at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris in 1989 and the 52nd International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2007. His works are part of prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, reflecting his significant impact on both African art and the broader contemporary art world.
