Isaac Yokomo
About
Born in the vibrant heart of Kinshasa on February 11, 1998, Isaac Yokomo emerges as a multifaceted visual artist, carving a unique niche in the world of contemporary art. The fourth of five siblings, his passion for art was apparent from a young age. By 7, Isaac was already drawing for peers and capturing their likenesses, hinting at a natural talent that would flourish in years to come.
Navigating through his early academic life, Isaac’s devotion to the arts became evident when he boldly voiced his ambition to his parents: It was the Academy of Fine Arts or nothing. This was uncharted territory for his family, as none had pursued art in such a formal setting before. Yet, with unwavering parental support, he not only pursued painting at the academy but also immersed himself in sculpture and ceramics by joining a specialized workshop in 2013.
To Isaac, art is liberation – a canvas where he can freely convey emotions, feelings, and even craft an entire universe dictated by his beliefs. Through his brush strokes, he primarily champions the victims of political and social injustices. His artworks are accentuated by poignant subjects: children, symbolizing hope and future, and women, representing life and humanity. Their expressions, often sad, sometimes calm, occasionally angry, and rarely smiling, are deepened with a unique touch Isaac refers to as “Metamorphosis”. This transformation, marked by palm nuts symbolizing blazing bullets, alludes to the pervasive injustices plaguing society.
Isaac’s works are not just about highlighting the despair; they also serve as a reminder to the enablers of these injustices about the consequences of their actions. They depict a world where children are robbed of their futures, women are dishonored, and society is subjected to untold violence. However, through the gloom, he believes that collective action can lead to change.
Technically speaking, Isaac is an artist who revels in freedom. He employs a mix of techniques, blending oil, acrylics, and collage on canvas, never limiting himself to one style. To him, there isn’t a magical method in art; every artist finds their rhythm. With every artwork, Isaac starts by preparing his canvas, sometimes beginning with a background, other times with a sketch, letting his intuition guide his creations.
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