To kick off this promising new year, we’re delighted to showcase “Kin Eza Mboka Na Nga” (Kinshasa is My City) by Winnart Nsangu, a multi-talented artist who has been an invaluable contributor to our artistic community from the very beginning.
In this compelling 85cm x 100cm oil and acrylic on canvas, created in 2020, Nsangu masterfully captures the heart of a Kinois in Paris. The artwork features a striking portrait with a vibrant green halo against a background filled with Parisian landmarks sketched in delicate lines. Most notably, the subject’s eyes literally pop out through their rose-tinted glasses, perhaps symbolizing how their gaze remains fixated on Kinshasa despite being surrounded by Parisian splendor. This surreal detail, combined with the beaming smile, creates a powerful expression of longing and love for home.
“I work with the concept of resilience,” Nsangu explains, “because I believe three out of four people experience some form of tragedy.” Through his art, he chooses to share smiles, love, and happiness, deliberately creating figures without eyes or noses, focusing instead on reassuring facial expressions that he hopes will spread joy like a positive contagion.
The painting tells a poignant story of cultural identity and belonging. Despite being surrounded by iconic Parisian symbols – the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and scenes of Parisian life – the subject proudly declares their undying love for Kinshasa. The figure’s orange jacket adorned with sunflower patterns bursts with energy against the monochromatic background, perhaps symbolizing how the vibrant spirit of Kinshasa stands out even in the City of Light.
Winnart Nsangu is more than just a painter; he’s a true performance artist. His recent exhibition “Resilience” showcased this versatility, combining visual art with live performance, demonstrating his ability to cross artistic boundaries and create immersive experiences.
While this particular piece has already found a home with a collector, Nsangu continues to create exceptional works that carry his message of resilience and joy. For those interested in exploring more of his inspiring artworks, we invite you to visit his profile at kitokongo.art.
For acquisition inquiries about his other works, contact us at kitokongo.art@gmail.com or reach out to the artist directly through our website.