• Papa Mfumu'eto
  • Jean Kamba
  • Comics
  • Discourse

Papa Mfumu’eto: From Comics to Contemporary Art

Jean Kamba, art critic and researcher, focuses his attention here on the contemporary painting practice of the artist Mfumu’eto in close relation to his influences of “popular” comics.

Video: Mukenge/Schellhammer

The artistic practice of Mfumu’eto is approached in this video in its two dimensions: the one of comic strips and the one of painting. From his creative universe generally focused on Kinshasa’s social life seen from various angles, and tinged with a peculiarity in terms of exploitation, Mfumu’Eto bears witness to the city of Kinshasa full of urban legends and social interactions that are so unique to it.

These interactions that encapsulate the “collective imaginary” are illustrated through fables or are drawn from true stories known to all. A particular characteristic of his work is spirituality. This is very much present in his work.

A contribution by researcher and art critic Jean Kamba.

Photos/works : Rights reserved to the Bilembo collection.

© Papa Mfumu’eto, Bilembo collection.
© Papa Mfumu’eto, Bilembo collection.
© Papa Mfumu’eto, Bilembo collection.
© Papa Mfumu’eto, Bilembo collection.
© Papa Mfumu’eto, Bilembo collection.