Merveille Kelekele Kelekele, "Merveille KELEKELE KELEKELE, le troisième" (2024), Oil on canvas, 130 x 130 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Bwo.o
Bwo Gallery is pleased to present Chez les miens (among my people), Merveille Kelekele Kelekele’s first exhibition on the African continent, and second solo in his career. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2001 and currently in his final Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Ecole des Beaux Arts de Paris, Kelekele's exhibition debuts a new body of painting works that delves deep into the realms of dreams, consciousness, and identity inspired by his first trip to his native Congo in 12 years.
Drawing inspiration from his Congolese heritage and his experiences as a young artist, Kelekele's paintings offer a captivating exploration of the human psyche and the enigmatic nature of existence. Through his masterful use of color, form, and symbolism, Kelekele constructs dreamlike landscapes inhabited by otherworldly figures, inviting viewers to embark on a journey into the subconscious.
Renato Menezes, the distinguished Curator at the Pinacoteca Museum in São Paulo and author of the exhibition essay, offers an illuminating exploration into Kelekele Kelekele's artistic world. With a perceptive gaze, Menezes navigates the intricate terrain of identity, transformation, and spiritual resonance present in Kelekele's oeuvre. His insightful analysis, encapsulated within the exhibition essay, unveils the multi-layered richness of Kelekele's artistry, enriching the discourse surrounding the exhibition. Through Menezes' scholarly lens, viewers are invited to embark on a thought-provoking journey through "Chez les miens," guided by a profound understanding of Kelekele's creative vision.
"Chez les miens" presents a diverse array of paintings that skillfully blur the boundaries between consciousness and the subconscious, reality and surrealism. From ethereal landscapes to intriguing figures, each artwork invites viewers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the limitless power of the human imagination. Two featured works include: "Among us, the Luba, we dance, we sing, it's spiritual," a vibrant depiction of the exuberant celebrations of the Luba people in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and "In the evening one must pray, for the spirits visit, to teach madness," a poignant journey into the realms of spiritual transcendence and existential reflection.
Download below the exhibition's curatorial essay and press release for more information.
