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23/3/2007

Popular Painting

Tate Modern, London

from Kinshasa

This display features paintings by a group of contemporary artists living and working in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, collectively known as the ‘School of Popular Painting’.

In the mid-1970s the artist Chéri Samba was the progenitor of what has become known as the ‘School of Popular Painting’ in Kinshasa, Zaïre (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). For Samba and fellow artists Moke, Chéri Chérin, Bodo and Cheik Ledy, the term ‘popular’ reflects an abiding interest in depicting themes and images that derive from their experience of everyday life and ‘culture’, in the broadest sense. Their work responds with disarmingly frank and symbolic imagery to the social and political situations facing their local communities, exploring issues of international aid, military conflict, cultural tourism, attitudes towards sexuality and the ironically humorous dilemma of the artist being co-opted by a market economy in which he can be seen as both exploited and exploiter.

Largely self-taught, the artists developed their distinctive style by painting signs and billboards, an influence reflected in the vibrant colours of their mural-sized canvases. Similarly, Chéri Samba’s frequent use of text may stem from his early experience as an illustrator of comic strips. While each artist has a distinct painterly approach, all regard painting as a medium with the potential to effect change. Some works portray political or social conflicts as chaotic and all-consuming, while others use personal impressions to treat these situations ironically and satirically.

These artists are among the most prominent, internationally recognised painters from the democratic Republic of Congo. Their works are on loan from the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC), Geneva, which was founded in 1989 by Jean Pigozzi and curated from its inception by André Magnin. The largest private collection of its kind, the CAAC has helped many African artists to show their work in major institutions around the world.

Curated by Sheena Wagstaff, assisted by Cliff Lauson with the advice of André Magnin, Curator, CAAC

Text by Cliff Lauson and Sheena Wagstaff

This display has been made possible by the generous support of the Contemporary African Art Collection and Jean Pigozzi

Image: Bodo, Turbulent World!!! Where are we going? 2006. © Bodo, courtesy of C.A.A.C. - The Pigozzi Collection, Geneva

Tate Modern
Bankside London

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