Henri Kalama

Monday Guest Lectures –

Henri Kalama – was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he received his academic artistic training in painting. He later moved to China where he spent six years and completed a master in arts. Henri, relatively early on, has moved towards abstraction with a particular focus on colors, which he sees as a main channel for emotions. While he stills lives and works in the Congo, he is representative of a trend that aims to evolve from certain stereotypes in what is generally considered as “African” art. “Humanity is moving to a point of connection, a planet village, a boundless world – all of which I want to express with my work. The all connecting languages are music and art – both of which express and invoke feelings which everybody understands, no matter where they come from. The umbrella term which I use for my work is “cosmic vibrations”. I am convinced that there are some things – words, emotions and spirituality- that can’t be transmitted through human languages, but only through colors. Different tones of colors, to me, are the carriers of different feelings which can only be expressed through art – painting or music. Through my painting, I am trying to make those feelings and visions “readable” by people from cultures all over the word. No matter from which cultural, educational or political background the viewers of my paintings come, I believe that they will understand what I am trying to express when creating said work.

My work has been influenced by my stay in China as well as the numerous trips that I have taken around the world and I consider myself an international artist. Being of African origin, I see it as my mission to fight against the clichés associated to African Art and the pervasive representations of Africa (tribal or primitive works around such subjects as masks or wild animals) many still expect from “African Artists”. Very often those works are produced to meet expectations from the outside, and rely on a misunderstanding or a wish for the perpetuation of an “exotic dream” (whereas masks, for example, do not exist in today’s everyday life in Africa). As a result, the very term of “African Art” reflects on certain stereotypes in art – as a primitive one. However, no one would think of referring to “European Artists” in general and an artist would typically called by his name, or “an artist” I am, therefore, working constantly to improve people’s awareness of the implied (unconscious) “primitive art” expectations when referring to “African Art”. In helping to open minds, I am also certain that this will contribute to liberate a certain form of creativity with Artists of African origin – one that can actually help African people and countries develop in their own way as well.”
Source: kalamaakulez.com

Take Away From The Talk

Henri explained how he feels that abstract art is the most universal place for expression – a medium of universal language. He said “I think that my practice is a way of expressing my identity.”

Henri draws from Kandinsky. He was accused of being too white and Asian in his art because he was abstracting. This was seen as a predominantly white or Asian artistic pursuit. He feels that colours are like notes making up a musical symphony. He also believes that abstractions is a way of connecting to the universe.

”We need art because it is a place of the essence of defining humanity. Art is allowing us to reach the essence of being”.

Henri noted that many art schools in the Congolese were expecting African art students to produce solely African art. As a result he felt that much of what was being produced was very similar. He believes that there should have been more freedom of expression. He also believes that: “an artist does not necessarily need to understand their work to make interesting work”.

He went on to note – an artist reveals his true character through his work even though he may not admit to it (paraphrased). “Art must satisfy a great psychic need”. Henri spent some time in China. He believes that: “China is the place that revealed me to the universe.” ( paraphrase China is where I discovered the universe). Henri thinks that learning technique is important but only because it is a means to an end. It allows people to express themselves. It allows them to use the language of their chosen medium to create and produce their ideas.

Personally I love Henri’s work and his philosophy regarding art. He suggested that it could be both a musical symphony composed of coloured notes and a way to connect to the universe. He sees art as something revelatory – uncovering the true essence of the artist so often hidden. I tend to agree.