Description

"Congo Stars" does not attempt to trace the historic development or even deliver a definition of what popular painting in the Congo is. It is in fact much more about the dimension of fiction in the writing of its history. Processes of nation building, facets of social order or the realities of everyday life are the major themes of popular art in the Congo. Painters see themselves as reporters or chroniclers of the everyday. They tell stories and thus offer an alternative historiography, confronting the traditional colonial narrative. "Congo Stars" places these popular painters alongside artists who work with installations and conceptually with photo and film, while often tackle the same themes.

With works by

Abis, Alfi Alfa, Sammy Baloji, Gilbert Banza Nkulu, Chéri Benga, Bodo, Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo, Burozi, Dominique Bwalya Mwando, Chéri Cherin, Trésor Cherin, Djilatendo, Ekunde, Sam Ilus, Jean Kamba, Lady Kambulu, Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga, Kasongo, Jean Mukendi Katambayi, Aundu Kiala, J.P. Kiangu, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Ange Kumbi, Hilaire Balu Kuyangiko, Londe, Albert et Antoinette Lubaki, Gosette Lubondo, Ernest Lungieki, George Makaya Lusavuvu, Tinda Lwimba, Michèle Magema, Maurice Mbikayi, Maman Masamba, Matanda, Mbuëcky Jumeaux, JP Mika, Mega Mingiedi Tunga, Moke, Moke-Fils, Gedeon Ndonda, Nkaz Mav, Vincent Nkulu, Vuza Ntoko, Chéri Samba, SAPINart, Monsengo Shula, Sim Simaro, Maître SYMS, Tambwe, Tshibumba Kanda Matulu, Pathy Tshindele Kapinga, Tuur Van Balen & Revital Cohen and many more.

In cooperation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, the Kunsthalle Tübingen, the Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth and PICHA in Lubumbashi.