Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga

Eddy Kamuanga's large-scale figurative paintings explore the rich, complex colonial history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, exploring the seismic shifts in economic, political, and cultural identity since colonization. His work is embedded with integrated circuits, referencing the harsh conditions experienced by workers who mine coltan by hand. Kamuanga has been recognized internationally as one of the most interesting, young, contemporary African talents and his reputation is fast growing worldwide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Mondadori Electa

Eddy Kamuanga's large-scale figurative paintings showcase a profound historical understanding, intricately woven into a sophisticated interplay of strikingly coloured forms contrasted against grey negative space. His artistic creations delve into the rich and complex colonial history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through his politically nuanced and culturally sensitive work, Kamuanga explores the seismic shifts in economic, political, and cultural identity that have unfolded in the DRC since colonization. With a growing global perspective, many individuals in the DRC are abandoning their ancestral heritage in pursuit of modernity, a conflict that fuels Kamuanga's artistic expression.

The DRC holds significant importance on the global stage, as it is the world's largest exporter of coltan, a mineral vital for the production of computer chips and mobile phones. In each of Kamuanga's artworks, the skin of the figures is intricately embedded with integrated circuits, serving as a poignant reference to the harsh realities faced by workers who mine coltan by hand.

Recognized internationally as one of the most intriguing, young, and contemporary African talents, Eddy Kamuanga's reputation is rapidly expanding worldwide. His work has been showcased across Africa, with notable exhibitions at institutions such as Zeitz MOCAA in South Africa and the Fowler Museum, UCLA, in Los Angeles, California. His creations have also been featured in exhibitions in Europe and the United States, including venues like the Hood Museum of Art in Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, and the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Eddy Kamuanga is represented by the October Gallery in London, United Kingdom.

Dimension: 310 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788891833976