Aïcha Muteba Makana
About
Born in Kinshasa in 1988, Aïcha Muteba Makana has always been enthralled by the allure of art, painting from his childhood days on foufou plates and neighborhood walls. A proud alumnus of Kinshasa’s Beaux-Arts, Aïcha’s artistic journey seamlessly weaves traditional motifs, like scarification and Kuba masks, with contemporary expressions, calling his style “contemporary figurative abstraction”.
His creations are narratives that hint at deep human emotions, collective memories, and identity struggles, with evocative titles like “ecological debacle” and “art revolution” carrying profound messages. Aïcha’s work goes beyond traditional paints; he integrates recycled materials that hark back to his childhood inventiveness, creating an aesthetic that’s both deeply personal and a testament to the independence of artistic expression.
Aïcha’s global outreach has seen him participating as an independent curator at the Biennale d’Asie in Bangladesh for 2022-2023. Beyond his personal studio, L’Atelier Lumineux, his influence on the global art scene is undeniable. He bridges cultures, curates art residencies, and encourages collaborations. His “open house” events epitomize his drive to present art directly to the community, challenging traditional gallery norms. This is evident in his ambitious projects, like the 25-meter long fresco for Kinshasa’s Academy of Fine Arts or through community-engaging interactive performances.
Aïcha’s commitment extends far beyond Kinshasa. His global travels and collaborations, such as his artistic residency in Morocco where he worked with Youssef El Yedidi on migration themes and his involvement in the “sharing” movement, reflect his universal appeal. Artists and enthusiasts worldwide appreciate his vision, underscoring his role in shaping a globally interconnected art legacy.
As a dynamic member of Kinshasa’s budding artists, Aïcha embodies passion, innovation, and community. Whether mentoring children in workshops or representing Congo internationally, Aïcha Muteba Makana stands out as an artist of distinction.
Portfolio
