Joel Mamboka

Joel Mamboka N'Kumu (b. 1990) is a mixed media artist who grew up in Kinshasha in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives and works in Cape Town.

He uses oil paint, fabrics and found objects to create stories that exhibit a dynamic exploration of identity, culture and style that is deeply rooted in African heritage. His portraits often depict individuals in moments of joy, connection or introspection and he often uses vintage wallpaper textures with peeling surfaces and intricate designs to evoke nostalgia and a sense of history.

“My current work is a visual and conceptual exploration of cultural identity, resilience and the transformative power of textiles. Drawing inspiration from Kinshasa’s vibrant patchwork techniques, I aim to create layered compositions that mirror the complexity and diversity of African cultural identities. By blending disparate fabrics, I seek to evoke the interconnected histories and narratives that shape contemporary African experiences.

At the heart of my work lies an investigation into the SAPE movement (La Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes), a phenomenon that celebrates style, individuality and the enduring spirit of post-colonial Congo. Through this lens, I explore how fashion and self-expression become acts of resistance and reclamation. Alongside this, I delve into President Mobutu Sese Seko’s Authenticité policy, which sought to redefine African identity by promoting cultural pride, traditional textiles and attire. These historical and cultural movements provide a rich framework for examining Africa’s textile heritage and its ongoing dialogue with modernity.” – Joel Mamboka, 2025