In conversation with artist Joel Mamboka
Hi, it’s Caley, one of 4 co-founders over at AYA Africa. I'm wholeheartedly captivated by all art, artists and their place in society as a catalyst for change, particularly at times like this in the world, when change is so obviously needed, and equally, so obviously plausible. The term "artist" can take on a wider definition within society and it needs to, NOW.
Here, at The AYA Edit, we speak to people who have understood and thus continue to harness their God given gifts to CREATE NEW, much like artist, Joel Mamboka. In my mind, heart and soul, we are all artists. As humans, we create the world we live in with every thought, word and deed we ever "possess" and subsequently "offer up" to this cosmic dance.
Onto this week's featured artist, Joel Mamboka.
What made you pursue art?
“There is one proverb that says we are born artists, we don’t become artists. We are born with those skills.”
— Joel Mamboka
“My paintings defend women. I paint different women, showing how we treat different women in society. It pushed me to fight for women. Those women, they are in a weak position. So I was looking to be their defenders. I’ve been looking for which way to transfer that way of thinking, that philosophy. The only one way I can do it is on my canvas, so you will see I paint a lot of different women.”
“My name is Joel Mamboka. I am from Congo, DRC. I studied art in Kinshasa; fine arts. I’m a fine artist, a visual artist. When I was studying, I was studying modern arts. So right now I’m in between doing modern arts and contemporary. So I’m calling myself a visual artist because I’m in two worlds.”
“My dad was an artist. He didn’t finish his art school—he just went for two years, then he studied other stuff and ended up being an accountant. But my dad was an artist.”
“Since I was young, I used to draw storyboards, Dragon Ball Z. I liked to watch Manga when I was so young. My dad saw this talent. When I reached the age to choose what I need to do in life, my dad proposed to me to do fine art. He gave me a choice. He proposed two things: do you want to do engineering or to be an artist? So I chose to be an artist.”
— Joel Mamboka
Video Interview: Part 1
Meet Joel Mamboka in the video interview conducted with AYA co-founder, Caley, in the garden. In this clip, they discuss Joel's artistic journey, challenge as a calling, his inspiration and message, and why he paints women.
Video Interview: Part 2
In this second clip, they discuss: why the label 'mother' Africa, Greek philosophy, what is an 'artist', Picasso's inspiration from Africa, Joel questioning Caley, and a deeper look into painting women.
Shop Joel Mamboka's Collection
Until next week,
Keep dancing.
In between the tension of the binary extremes.
CALEY x
