Today the Democratic Republic of Congo is synonymous with civil war, child soldiers and fleeing refugees. But an often-overlooked part of the country’s history is its vibrant artistic tradition. This is something a new exhibition in Paris seeks to put right. It showcases the art of pioneers, such as Albert and Antoinette Lubaki and Djilatendo, who worked in the 1920s, when the country was still a colony of Belgium, and whose figurative and geometric art explores themes of village life, the natural world and dreams. The work of post-Second World War painters, such as Chéri Samba, Chéri Chérin and Moke, is also examined. These were the self-styled “popular painters”, who worked after the country became independent in 1960, and were inspired by politics and social events that were recognisable to a general audience. The exhibition then shines a light on the situation today, showcasing younger artists, such as J P Mika and Mosengo Shula, who carry on the techniques of their predecessors, but react to and interpret events on a global scale. The exhibition also includes music, sculpture, photography and comics.
• Beauté Congo – 1926-2015 – Congo Kitoko is at the Fondation Cartier in Paris until November 15. Visit www.fondation.cartier.com
