Jeanpy Kabongo: the art of marrying photography and Kuba textiles
Jeanpy Kabongo is a Congolese visual artist who excels in the art of Kuba photography and textiles, combining past and present in his designs. In an upcoming collection of photographic works, Jeanpy Kabongo highlights the wisdom and invention of the past, through the use of Kuba carpets and the clear dark stage technique.
The artistic work of Jeanpy Kabongo
Jeanpy Kabongo’s talent lies in his ability to marry two cultures through the art of photography and Kuba textiles. He uses the clair obscur scene technique to take pictures, which he then combines with Kuba rugs to create one-of-a-kind works. It is about a pure invention where the man goes to the resource of the nature and manages to produce something which is useful to him to live in the daily life.
Jeanpy highlights the wisdom and all that is invention of the past through his creations, thus inviting a return to the sources to bring order to the present. It also allows for a reconnection with history and culture, providing an alternative to the general trend that everyone wants to go back in time to take something from Africa in a somewhat exotic way and present it .
Kuba textile
Kuba rugs are unique in their elaborate and intricate design and decorative quality. Most textiles are a variation of rectangular or square pieces of woven palm leaf fibers, enhanced with geometric designs executed in linear embroidery and other stitches, which are cut to form velvet-like pile surfaces. Jeanpy Kabongo uses these carpets to highlight the spirit of a people imprisoned in their minds by darkness and ignorance, who reconnect because they now know where they are going, what they are doing.
The message behind Jeanpy Kabongo’s creations
Jeanpy Kabongo’s message through his creations is to raise awareness of the need to reconnect with African history and culture in order to move forward. It is an invitation to the new generation to reclaim their culture and show creativity. For Jeanpy, it is important to create quality things and not to consume what other people create.
Conclusion
Jeanpy Kabongo is a Congolese visual artist whose talent lies in the art of Kuba photography and textiles. His works invite a return to basics to bring order to the present and enhance African culture.