Known as “Œil d’Aigle” (Eye of the Eagle) in Kinshasa’s art scene, Claude Bosana brings his distinctive blend of classical technique and popular art style to create compelling visual narratives. A graduate of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, Bosana has established himself not only as a painter but also as a mentor to emerging artists through his workshop “Art Du Beau.”
In a masterful blend of whimsy and political commentary, Claude Bosana’s “Intérêt Commun” (Common Interest) presents an unlikely scene: a tiger and a bonobo sharing a cigarette. “I wanted to represent two animals that naturally cannot cohabit,” Bosana explains, “yet here they are, brought together by a common interest.” This striking metaphor serves as a message to those in positions of authority – a call to set aside personal interests for the greater good of the nation.
Inspired by observing smokers and their passionate way of sharing cigarettes, Bosana transforms this everyday scene into a powerful allegory about cooperation and compromise. The predator sets aside its meat, the primate leaves its fruit untouched – a visual representation of how personal preferences can be temporarily abandoned for a greater purpose.
The painting showcases Bosana’s signature mastery of color and detail. The tiger sports a yellow shirt and red suspenders, while the bonobo dons a cowboy hat and orange jacket. Their casual attire softening their natural animosity. In the background, two macaws perch among green foliage, while scattered fruits lie forgotten at their feet, symbolizing how their natural preferences are temporarily set aside.
The cosmic background, speckled with colorful stars, elevates this scene beyond a simple meeting of unlikely friends into a moment of universal significance. Through “Intérêt Commun,” Bosana crafts a powerful allegory about cooperation and shared purpose, suggesting that even the most fundamental differences can be bridged when we focus on our common goals.
For acquisition inquiries, contact us at kitokongo.art@gmail.com or reach out to Claude directly through his profile on our website.