Contemporary & Modern Art of Congo

For the first time, Stanley's auction dedicates an entire sale to Congolese art. The Wiligama Art team has made a selection from over sixty years of pictorial creation. The prolific artistic creation of this country offers the opportunity for an exclusive sale. This exceptional edition presents modern and contemporary works by established and emerging artists. The academics of Kinshasa and the popular painters of four generations are represented in this collection. Their works evoke a Congolese identity by depicting ancestral culture, daily life and natural environments, each with the artists’ own style and engaging interpretation of reality.

The catalogue presents a burst of warm colours from the country of the majestic Congo River. Among the modern works, it is worth mentioning Pilipili's natural scene, Kakinda's multicoloured universe, Amisi's fiery strokes and Mumpasi's powerful characters. As for the contemporary paintings, we can highlight Bers Grandsinge's singular futuristic vision of humanity. Artists such as Dolet Malalu or Kura Shomali bring an elite stamp and distinctive styles and are imposing themselves on the international market. Of course, this collection does not omit the great names of Congolese painting, such as Cheri Cherin, Moke Fils, Jp. Mika or Jc. Lofenia.

This African art is also marked by its history. Vatunga's painting is an example of militancy, the artist uses art to tackle both past and present with meticulous work, a precise brush and a message that seeks to build a better society. For instance, the artist depicted Leopoldo ii with hundreds of tiny images of his victims, a vindictive and necessary denunciation.

This first edition is an exclusivity that will undoubtedly become a regular feature in our house considering the artist's potential and their rise on the international market. With this sale, Stanley's auction advocates the diffusion of Congolese art on the market by aiming at collectors, amateurs but also those who are curious about this rich and original art.