J’aime Chéri Samba

Born in a modest family in 1956, Chéri Samba launched his artistic career in Kinshasa at the age of sixteen, initially working for artist-craftsman-decorators. He knew he had talent, however, and soon set up his own studio, joining the already famous and well-established likes of Bodo, Mas, Chéri Cherin, and Moke. To stand out he had to find a different course, create his own style. He chose to add text to his paintings in order to hook the viewer’s attention. The Samba style was born : paintings in vibrant colors, sometimes enhanced with sequins, and accompanied by a “message” signed by the artist. Addressing people and politicians alike, Chéri Samba criticizes, denounces, and questions the world.
The catalog of the exhibition J’aime Chéri Samba compiles all the works presented at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in 2004 and presents the artist’s personal archives.