Bodys Isek Kingelez
| Bodys Isek Kingelez | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Jean Baptiste 1948 Kimbembele-Ihunga, Belgian Congo |
| Died | March 14, 2015 Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Nationality | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Education | Self-taught |
| Known for | Sculpture |
| Patron(s) | Jean Marc Patras |
Bodys Isek Kingelez or Jean Baptiste (1948-March 14, 2015) was a sculptor and artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, mostly known for his models of fantastic cities made of cardboard. His work has been presented in numerous exhibitions in Europe and North America, including exhibitions at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and at the documenta XI in Kassel.
Kingelez was born as Jean Baptiste in 1948 in Kimbembele-Ihunga in what was then the Belgian Congo. After graduating from secondary school he moved to Kinshasa in 1970. Until 1977 he studied part-time and supported himself by teaching at a school and by working as a restorer of tribal masks at the National Museum in Kinshasa. At the same time he began to create some of his first art works. Since 1985 he has dedicated himself entirely to his art.
In 1989 he was invited to Paris to present his art in the exhibition Les Magiciens de la Terre by André Magnin, curator of The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) of Jean Pigozzi. Since then his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has been included in the collection of Jean Pigozzi among other private collectors including Agnes B and the Museum of Séte (France). He died in 2015.
Kingelez is known for his models mostly of fantastic and utopian cities made of cardboard, paper and plastic. His models of entire cities reflect the sprawling and anarchic metropolis of Kinshasa or other African megacities, offering a futurist vision of the African city. His models frequently incorporate materials found in the urban world, such as bottle caps, corrugated cardboard or tinfoil. This mirrors the widespread practice of recycling found in Kinshasa or other African cities.
Kingelez has called his art Extreme Models (French: Extrêmes maquettes) and has said about his artistic approach: “I make this most deeply imaginary, meticulous and well considered work with the aim of having more influence over life. As a black artist I must set a good example by receiving the light which pure art, this vital human instrument, kindles for the sake of all. Thanks to my deep hope for a happy tomorrow, I strive to better my quality, and the better becomes the wonderful. I exhibit a mode of expression which fits me like a glove, and I point out that I am another artist.”
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