Aimé Mpane

As a sculptor, Aimé Mpane has cultivated a distinctive personal style where sculpted volumes and painted surfaces continually engage in harmonious interactions.

Biography of Aimé Mpane

Aimé Mpane, born in 1968 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stands out as one of the most prominent artists of his generation. His unique sculptural style, characterized by the dynamic interplay of carved volumes and painted surfaces, showcases a profound exploration of personal and artistic experiences in the post-colonial worlds of Congo and Belgium. Working primarily with wood and employing the adze, a traditional African woodworking tool, Mpane crafts sculptures, mosaic-like wall hangings, and portraits that delve into the complexities of contemporary Congo while reflecting a deep understanding of its history.

Born in Kinshasa, Mpane currently divides his life between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium, residing in Brussels.

In 2018, Mpane received a commission to craft a sculpture for permanent exhibition at the recently renovated Africa Museum in Tervuren, Belgium.

His recent solo exhibition, "Remedies," curated by Sophie Hasaerts at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, attests to his significant contributions to the art world. Aimé Mpane's artworks, displayed in solo exhibitions across Congo and the United States, and included in noteworthy group exhibitions, showcase his commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding through the universal language of art.

Aimé Mpane's Art Style

His works often grapple with the aftermath of Belgian colonialism, offering a poignant commentary on the historical and cultural legacies that linger. Mpane's brightly painted, rough-hewn portraits on wood panels, depicting individuals he encounters on the streets of Kinshasa, provide a window into the nuances of modern Congolese identity.

Mpane invites viewers to explore both sides of his creations, delving into the depths behind the mask. The intricate layers, sculpted with a traditional adze on one side and modern laser-cut techniques on the other, reflect the dualities inherent in the human experience. The series, inspired by Picasso's early self-portrait, grapples with the concept of cultural borders and demarcations. Mpane, a true humanist and cosmopolitan, presents a global vision of art that transcends cultural boundaries.

The UNSETTLED exhibition features two pieces from Mpane's "Le Demoiselle Pende/Masque Bi-face" series. These carved sculptures, reminiscent of African sickness masks, draw inspiration from Pablo Picasso's iconic 1907 masterpiece "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon." The series was sparked by the artist's visit to his grandmother in a village near Tshikapa City, an area marked by diamond mining and the accompanying challenges of trafficking and prostitution.