Tembo beer tribute graphic honoring Maître Liyolo, showing a bottle beside a smiling portrait of the sculptor with the slogans 'Sculptons nos rêves' and 'Respect!'.
Essays

From Bolobo to Kōkyo: An Homage to Alfred Liyolo

Walk through Kinshasa today, and you’ll encounter Alfred Liyolo’s legacy in two forms: bronze sculptures gracing public squares and his smiling face on Tembo beer advertisements throughout the city. That a beloved Congolese beer brand chose an artist to represent their product speaks volumes about how Liyolo captured the nation’s heart.
The journey from Bolobo, a humble riverside town on the Congo River where Liyolo was born in 1943, to Kokyo (Tokyo’s Imperial Palace) where he became the first and only African artist ever received by Emperor Akihito, is extraordinary. This is the story of how a grandson of an ivory carver transformed bronze into bridges between worlds, proved that art could speak to emperors and common people alike, and became a symbol of Congolese pride served with every bottle of beer in the nation’s capital.

By Skander Kacem
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in an interview with sculpture libende today
Interviews

Sculpting Dreams: A Conversation with the Visionaries of “Sculpture Libende Today”

In an exclusif conversation within the vibrant heart of Kinshasa’s art scene, we dive deep with the innovative minds behind “Libende Today”. Amidst the backdrop of towering metal sculptures and the atmosphere thick with creativity, the founders passionately unveil the essence of their collective. They speak of dreams that lay the groundwork of reality, the power of independence while embracing collaboration, and the paramount importance of the artist, not just the art. The narrative isn’t just about magnificent sculptures—it’s about carving a space for artists in today’s world, giving life to their dreams, and the mutual exchange of thought and vision across continents. This isn’t just an interview; it’s an exploration of the soul behind “Libende Today”, a celebration of their unique spirit and philosophy.

By Skander Kacem
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Auguy standing proudly in front of his atelier, surrounded by his sculptures and artworks, showcasing his dedication to preserving Congo's cultural heritage.
Interviews

A Conversation on Sculpting and Mentorship with Auguy Kakese

Stepping into Auguy’s atelier, you’re immediately engulfed by a vibrant display of artistry, with sculptures and paintings narrating a myriad of stories. While internationally recognized for his Tintin figures, Auguy’s journey is much deeper, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Congo. From being mentored by masters of Kuba Kasai art, nurturing young talent despite the challenges, to redefining his Tintin sculptures to depict a rising Africa, Auguy’s work is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and a profound commitment to preserving cultural legacy. Discover the inspiring journey of this remarkable artist in our interview.

By Skander Kacem
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Simplus Ntoto in goggles, respirator and red work gloves shaping a sculpture's rebar frame outdoors, with an angle grinder and tools on the bench beside him
Interviews

From Car Shells to Art Galleries: An Interview with Sculptor Simplus Ntoto

Embark on a remarkable journey into the world of Simplus Ntoto, a revolutionary artist from Kinshasa who has pioneered a unique approach to sculpture using car shells. In our exclusive interview, Ntoto opens up about his creative process, the origins of his distinctive style, and his relentless pursuit of perfection. Uncover the deep connection he shares with his subjects and the powerful message embedded in his art. This is a compelling narrative of passion, innovation, and resilience that illustrates how Ntoto is not only shaping metal but also the future of sculpture.

By Skander Kacem
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Lots of Congolese masks lying on top of each other
Essays

Behind Glass: Congolese Masks and the Question of Belonging

Behind the glass of European museums, Congolese masterpieces sit frozen under generic tribal labels. But a mask was never just an object; it was a living event, a social relationship, and the work of a brilliant individual creator. While Western art history spends centuries naming its own anonymous masters, the search for Congolese sculptors was quietly abandoned. Reclaiming Congolese authorship means rejecting the grammar of property and restoring names, lineages, and agency to these works. The masters did not run out; the searching did. It is time to shatter the vitrine and rewrite the story.
Let me tell you this: those masks are everything but primitive, and their living power was never meant to be silenced behind museum glass.

They were the living voice of ancestral wisdom. They danced. They judged. They healed. They were alive. This is the story of their stolen power and their fight to finally come home.

By Skander Kacem
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