Moïse Ngamungabu

About

Born in 1998 in Kinshasa, Moïse Ngamungabu showed an affinity for the arts from a young age. He drew regularly, delighting in the reactions of those around him. Moïse continued to hone his talent, driven by his ambition to be the best of his generation.

His father, musician Day Ngamungabu, recognized Moïse’s potential and encouraged him to join the art studio of his uncle, Claude Bosana, in 2015. This is where Moïse started his journey in painting. After a couple of years of tutelage, Moïse was drawn to the work of his contemporary Fabrice Matondo, a highly regarded artist of his generation. In 2018, Moïse joined Matondo’s studio, Jésus (Dieu), where he furthered his ambition and cultivated his professional aspirations.

His parents, witnessing his diligence and improvement, advised him to continue his studies in the arts. Consequently, Moïse enrolled at the Institut des Beaux-Arts, a reputed art school in Kinshasa. He graduated with a degree in Plastic Arts, specializing in painting, in 2021. Following this achievement, he established his own studio, Les Notices des Arts, where he continues to work.

Artistically, Moïse explores two distinctive styles he has named “Bilembonisme” and “La Propriatisme”. Bilembonisme, a term derived from the Lingala word “Bilembo” meaning “Trace”, “Mark”, or “Imprint”, calls for social consciousness to ensure a better future. His art incorporates texts and collages to educate and provoke thought, encouraging viewers to leave beneficial imprints for future generations.

La Propriatisme, on the other hand, promotes cleanliness and consciousness about one’s environment. His use of waste in his works symbolizes dirt, which he hopes would provoke individuals to care for their surroundings and avoid diseases that come from unhealthy environments.

Moïse Ngamungabu’s art is fueled by passion, and every canvas is a new learning experience for him. His choice of medium varies from oil and acrylic paints to watercolors and simple pencils, but he finds a particular affinity with character-based subjects, especially women and children.

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