Bodys Isek Kingelez
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| Bodys Isek Kingelez | |
| Birth name | Jean Baptiste |
| Born | 1948 Kimbembele-Ihunga, Belgian Congo |
| Nationality | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Field | Sculpture |
| Training | Self-taught |
| Patrons | Jean Marc Patras |
Bodys Isek Kingelez or Jean Baptiste (born 1948) is 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.
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[edit] Biography
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.[1][2]
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 of Jean Pigozzi. During his time in Paris he also found the support of the Parisian gallerist and art dealer Jean Marc Patras. Since then his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has been included in the collection of Jean Pigozzi. Today Kingelez lives in Kinshasa with his two wives and children.[2]
[edit] Work
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.[1] His models frequently incorporate materials found in the urban world, such as bottle caps, corrugated cardboard or tinfoil. This mirrors the widespread practice of reycling found in Kinshasa or other African cities.[3]
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.”[2]
Kingelez has created more than 300 models. He started with models of individual architectural structures. In 1992 he began to assemble entire cities with numerous buildings, avenues, parks, stadiums and monuments. His first model of a city was called Kimbembele-Ihunga after the village were he was born. Notable works of Kingelez include Ville Fantôme (1995), Kin 3ème millénaire (1997) and La Ville du Futur (2000).[1]
[edit] Examples
 Mongolie Soviétique (1989). |
 Kinshasa la Belle (1991). |
 Kimbembele Ihunga (1994). |
 Ville Fantôme (1996). |
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Contemporary African Art Collection. Biography of Body Isek Kingelez. Retrieved on 2008-03-29.
- ^ a b c Haus der Kulturen der Welt (May 2003). Bodys Isek Kingelez. Retrieved on 2008-03-29.
- ^ Carnegie Museum of Art (1999/2000). Bodys Isek Kingelez. Retrieved on 2008-03-29.
[edit] Bibliography
- Kingelez, Bodys Isek; Yilmaz Dziewior (September 2001). Bodys Isek Kingelez. Hatje Cantz Publishers. ISBN 377571054X.
- Serageldin, Ismail; Bodys Isek Kingelez (November 1993). Home and the World. Museum for African Art. ISBN 3791313266.
- Subiros, Pep (2001). Africas: The Artist and the City. Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona. ISBN 8495273861.
