L'oiseau rare (2018) Sculpture by Coco Vewenda

I am an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Born in Kinshasa and I live for the moment in Belgium. My father is a great admirer of visual arts. That's why he stimulated me to pursue art studies. After 6 years of high school, I obtained my diploma of sculpture at the institute of fine arts of Kinshasa. I am currently enrolled during the evening of Sculpture at the academy of fines arts city of Brussels
The most important elements in my art are modernity, tradition and transparency
I am between tradition and modernity. The idea is to make contemporary art while taking inspiration from primitive African art. It is also the desire to attach myself to my culture, my sources and my origins that give me the strength to orient myself towards a contemporary world. I wonder about the relationship between the ancient tribes, the artifacts embodying their traditions and their respective geographical spaces
Politics is strongly related to my art, for the moment I am making transparent sculptures to demonstrate the transparent relationship that must coexist between the people and their leaders. The people being sovereign, they have the right to see and know where and how their future is going.
I also wonder about the correlation between primitive African art and contemporary African art that is struggling to assert itself on the ground, hence the great question of whether African art should remain traditional or should to open on current realities
I use iron bars, wire, ropes, knitting wire, metal plates, leather ...
The objects of primitive African art such as calabashes, hunting instruments, sorrows, decorative motifs on the carpet, symbols are a source of inspiration for me.

• Nationality: NETHERLANDS
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Dutch Artists