| Press Release
Chéri Samba
Espai 13 – Formes de la dissensió (Forms of Dissent)
2 May–2 June 1991
Samba Wa Mbimba N’Zinga Nurimasi Mdombasi is the full name of the Zairean artist known as Chéri Samba, who emerged from anonymity by hanging a large-format painting on a tree, criticising urban society in Zaire.
This was in 1975; since then, Chéri Samba – drawing inspiration from advertising imagery, posters and comics – has delivered a biting critique of social life, customs, sexuality and the economic and political realities of his country. From 1982 onwards, as he spent increasing time in Paris, he turned the same critical eye to Western society, questioning the art world with great lucidity.
His work is characterised by vividly coloured, stylised figures in highly expressive and eloquent poses, with text incorporated into the paintings to reinforce their message.
Since his first act of artistic dissent in 1975, Chéri Samba’s rise has been swift. The power of his imagery and the subjects he tackles have quickly earned him recognition as a major contemporary artist.
The exhibition at the Fundació Joan Miró presents 12 paintings created between 1989 and 1991. Some of these, previously unseen, explore the theme of the Gulf War.
The exhibition will be on display in Espai 13 at the Fundació Joan Miró from 2 May to 2 June, as part of the Formes de la dissensió series, curated by Miquel Molins, which began with Pintura per a exteriors (Painting for Outdoors) by Perejaume and AIDS Installation by General Idea. |
