Chéri Samba: the retrospective of a master of African painting at the Maillol museum in Paris
The Maillol Museum in Paris is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Chéri Samba, one of the greatest living painters and the emblem of popular Congolese painting. On display until next April, this retrospective highlights around fifty paintings from Jean Pigozzi’s famous collection.
In the museum rooms, Chéri Samba rediscovers her own works which are part of the Pigozzi collection. Among them, the triptych entitled “What future for our art”, produced in 1997, as well as the now iconic painting “I love color”, painted in 2003, with its joyful surrealism which jumps out at the eye.
But Chéri Samba’s work is not limited to its aesthetics. It is a committed painting which denounces the failings of society. As a painter-journalist, he does not hesitate to write directly on his canvases, adding short texts to inform, explain and denounce. This approach, which he calls “The Sambaïan signature”, is a way for him to use his painting as a means of communication.
Between his often joyful and colorful paintings, Chéri Samba never ceases to challenge the viewer. He denounces in particular war and weapons, expressing his incomprehension of those who manufacture them. For him, it is essential that painting conveys messages, beyond its formal dimension.
The retrospective presented at the Maillol museum highlights the evolution of Chéri Samba as an artist. The latter, who began his career painting advertising signs in Kinshasa, became known and recognized internationally. His work is no longer limited to a chronicle of Congolese daily life, but addresses more global themes. Thus, he can create paintings on subjects such as the election of Barack Obama or the September 11 attacks, while always maintaining a connection with Africa.
Chéri Samba is considered the undisputed master of popular painting and has inspired numerous generations of artists. However, he also faces counterfeiting of his works on the internet, which despairs him.
The exhibition at the Maillol museum is a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the work of Chéri Samba, combining aesthetics, commitment and humor. This retrospective allows us to delve into the captivating world of this artist who knew how to make painting a true means of communication and expression. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover or rediscover a major artist of the contemporary African art scene.