Meet the Artist
Joel Mamboka N’Kumu (b. 1990) is a mixed media artist who grew up in Kinshasha in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives and works in Cape Town. He uses oil paint, fabrics and found objects to create stories that exhibit a dynamic exploration of identity, culture and style that is deeply rooted in African heritage. His portraits often depict individuals in moments of joy, connection or introspection and he frequently uses vintage wallpaper textures with peeling surfaces and intricate designs to evoke nostalgia and a sense of history.
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“My current work is a visual and conceptual exploration of cultural identity, resilience and the transformative power of textiles. Drawing inspiration from Kinshasa’s vibrant patchwork techniques, I aim to create layered compositions that mirror the complexity and diversity of African cultural identities."
Education
2013 BFA in Studio Arts (Painting) | L’Académie de Beaux-Art, Kinshasa, DRC
2009 Diploma in Visual Arts | Institut de Beaux-Art, Kinshasa, DRC
Solo Exhibitions
2026 The Illusion of Ease | WORLDART Gallery, Cape Town, SA
2025 Kizoba Zoba | Grande Provence Gallery, Franschoek, SA
2024 Untitled Solo Exhibition | The Gallery at Steyn City, associated with Everard Read and Knysna Fine-Art Gallery, Johannesburg, SA
2023 La Sapologie | Youngblood Africa Gallery, Cape Town, SA
2022 Monzele Beauty | Youngblood Africa Gallery, Cape Town, SA
2021 The Last Generation | Youngblood Africa Gallery, Cape Town, SA
2021 Untitled 1 | Hilarious Hotel, Cape Town, SA
2020 Untitled 2 | Cartel Hotel, Cape Town, SA
Group Exhibitions
2025 Audacity in Motion | Ella West Gallery, North Carolina, USA
2023 Le Rendez-Vous | Patrick Bongoy Studio, Cape Town, SA
2023 Knysna Fine-Art with Everard Read Gallery | Franschhoek, SA
2023 The Stellenbosch Art Auction | The Woordfees Exhibition, Stellenbosch, SA
2023 25th Anniversary Exhibition | Knysna Fine-Art, Franschhoek, SA
2023 Season’s Greetings | Lizamore Gallery, Johannesburg, SA
2022 Africa Art Life (Bobu) | Online Gallery, Kenya.
2022 Group Exposition a Art in the yard, Franschhoek
2022 Home is Where the Art is, ZeitzMOCAA
2021 Group Exposition a Young Blood, Cape Town
2020 Group Exposition a l’universite de Stellenbosch
2020 BLK Art House, Online Gallerie, New York
2019 Kwanele Genoeg with Seemah Toefy curated, Cape Town
2019 Emerging Artist Program at ZeitzMOCAA Museum
2018 Emerging Artist Program at Sending Questing Museum, Cape Town
2011 “J’ai un reve” expo, Embassy US, Kinshasa, DRC
2011 “Eau “ ( Competition ART), Mairy Kalamu, Kinshasa, DRC
2011 Essu expo (fair), Académie de beaux- arts, Kinshasa, DRC
2010 50ans d’indépendance du Congo, Académie de beaux-arts, DRC
2008 Journée de la femme, Atelier Innovation,Ymca, Kinshasa, DRC
2007 Francophonie( compétition de la jeunesse), Kinshasa, DRC
Art Fairs
2026 Investec Cape Town International Art Fair | Cape Town, SA
2025 Atlanta Art Fair Ella West Gallery | Atlanta, USA
2025 Investec Cape Town International Art Fair | Cape Town, SA
2024 Latitudes Art Fair | Johannesburg, SA
