Jean Katambayi Mukendi

Jean Katambayi Mukendi (1974, Lubumbashi) lives and works in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Trained as an electrician, he often uses mechanics, geometry and electricity in his work as metaphorical tools to explore the philosophical, technical and political dimensions of technology. Through his years-long investigation of the infrastructures — imaginary and material — around electricity, he reminds us of the fact that almost everybody regularly manipulates devices, not without danger, to obtain light, heat, images and information. His works are part of a search for solutions to social problems in current Congolese society, as well as to the country’s depletion of its enormous energetic resources. His art has been exhibited widely in his native DRC since the 90s and is regularly featured in shows in Europe. A series of his famous ‘Afro-lamps’ are on view through 1 April 2024 at the Zurich Biennial at Kunst-halle Zürich. Jean Katambayi is represented by Wouters Gallery in Brussels and Ramiken in New York.