In a remarkable marriage of tradition and artistic innovation, Patrick Kusakana presents an exceptional work celebrating African ancestral power. Through “Queen Mambueni,” the artist opens a door to a universe rich in symbols and deep meanings, drawing from his Mukongo heritage.
This striking work, executed primarily in black and white with subtle touches of color, represents far more than a simple portrait. It embodies the spiritual and protective power incarnated by the figure of Mambueni, inspired by the artist’s grandmother, a respected healer in her community.
The composition is masterful: the central figure, majestic in her polka dot dress, extends her arms in a protective gesture. The ivory tusks adorning her face are not merely decorative elements but profound symbols of the ancestral relationship between humans and nature. As Kusakana explains, these elements recall a time when forest animals were considered sacred, protected by strict traditional laws.
The geometric black and white patterns that pervade the canvas are not random. They represent the rich symbols of power in Bakongo tradition, creating a fascinating dialogue between past and present. The animal figures floating around the queen – elephants and other forest creatures – reinforce the message of protection and harmony with nature.
Born in 1975 in Kinshasa, Patrick Kusakana is more than an artist: he is a keeper of memory, an initiated who understands and transmits ancestral symbols through his contemporary art. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa and a former student of the renowned Master Roger Botembe, he has developed a unique style that marries ancestral traditions with contemporary expression.
๐ Size: 150 x 125 cm
๐จ Medium: Mixed media, acrylic and oil on canvas
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Year: 2021
This rare work represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece charged with history and symbolism, created by one of the most talented artists in the contemporary Congolese art scene.
For acquisition inquiries:
๐ In Kinshasa: Contact the artist directly
๐ International buyers: kitokongo.art@gmail.com