Matongé

This 2013 work, acrylic on canvas, painted according to popular Congolese painting, illustrates the mythical Matonge district, the heart of Belgian-Congolese life in Brussels. Through this work, the Congolese artist pays homage to this vibrant neighbourhood.

This work gives a slightly distorted view of the corner of the Chaussée de Wavre with the Rue Dublin (showing the restaurant La Calebasse). Some iconic places in the neighbourhood are perfectly recognizable, such as the famous sign of the Vendôme cinema and the façade of the building housing H&M on Chaussée d’Ixelles.

The artist
“MOKE FILS” born in Kinshasa in 1968 as Jean-Marie MOSENGWO ODIA, is the eldest son of painter-artist MOSENGWO KEJWAMFI, and is known as “MOKE”. Moke was one of the founders of naive or street painting in Congo.
Through caricatures and bright colours, Moke Fils often evokes the chaotic pace of life in Kinshasa.

Why did we include this work in our collections?
• It’s a representation of what Brussels looks like today
• It represents the diversity of Brussels through the eyes of a Congolese artist.

Would you like to know more about this acquisition? You can find more details about the work itself in the inventory sheet here available.