Henri Kalama
Painter | DR Congo
Henri Kalama (1973) is a painter and art professor known for his unique approach to abstract art. Kalama uses bold colors and shapes to express emotions, spirituality, and connection. His work aims to create a universal language that can be understood by people from all cultures. Influenced by his studies in China and his global travels, Kalama’s art explores themes of unity and the shared human experience.
Portrait
Pascal Konan, (1979, Abidjan) is a distinguished painter whose artistic journey began in his early years. Recognizing his innate talent, Konan pursued formal education in the arts at the Lycée d’Enseignement Artistique, progressing to earn his artistic baccalaureate. His academic excellence continued at the National School of Fine Arts in Abidjan, where he graduated at the top of his class with a higher diploma (D.E.S.A.) with honors.
Konan chose to blend his passion for art with a commitment to education, becoming a professor of painting at the Beaux-Arts in Abidjan. His artistic oeuvre is deeply rooted in the vibrant and dynamic scenes of daily African life. Utilizing a unique technique that involves random spots transformed into superimposed shapes and contours, his work possesses a psychedelic quality while maintaining a structured composition. Through his paintings, Konan captures the essence of African urban life, reflecting the emotions stirred by the bustling cities—the crowds, the noises, the cultural amalgamation, and the warmth.
As a figurative painter, Pascal Konan's works often delve into the discourse on "happiness and the human condition."
His canvases, rich in shapes, colors, and expressive depth, utilize mixed techniques such as scraping, water painting, and oil painting. This diverse approach allows him to animate his backgrounds and characters with contrasting light and shadow, capturing the essence of forms and beings.
In an era marked by increasing social divides and the degradation of the human condition, Konan's art serves as a powerful advocate for individual action towards realizing humanism. Through his paintings, he not only celebrates a joyful childhood amidst the urban struggles of Abidjan but also calls for a more humane and compassionate world.
Henri Kalama Akulez (1973) is a painter, scholar, and professor known for his abstract works. Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa. Early on, his work was influenced by the Congolese art scene, which focused on African identity through masks, symbols, and patterns. However, in the 1990s, Kalama turned to abstract art to express his emotions and spiritual views more personally.
Kalama’s studies took him beyond Congo, spending over ten years in China, where he earned a Master's degree and PhD in visual arts and phenomenology from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. This experience helped shape his artistic vision and reinforced his belief that art transcends cultural, political, and geographical boundaries.
His work revolves around "cosmic vibrations," which he describes as the emotions and spiritual energy conveyed through color. Kalama sees colors as carriers of deep feelings and universal truths, often beyond words. His abstract approach invites viewers to engage with the work intuitively, exploring the "truth of being" through non-representational forms.
As a leader in contemporary African art, Kalama challenges the stereotypes of African creativity, rejecting the popular portrayals of masks and tribal themes. His work pushes for a broader understanding of African identity, one that reflects the continent's complexity and modern realities.
In addition to his art, Kalama is an influential educator. Since 2016, he has been the Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa, mentoring future Congolese artists. His studio, "Kalama-les ateliers réunis," promotes emerging talent and reshapes the local art scene. Kalama is also a prolific writer and speaker, contributing to global discussions on art and culture.
Kalama’s recognition as both an artist and educator has made him a key figure in the ongoing conversation about African art in the contemporary world, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore new forms of expression that reflect the complexities of modern African life.
Works (coming soon)
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Credentials
2011 – 2014
- PhD studies “China Academy of Art” (major subject: Fine Arts), Hangzhou
2004 – 2007
- Master studies at “China Academy of Art” (major subject: Oil painting), Hangzhou
2001 – 2003
- Advanced studies at “China Academy of Art”, Hangzhou
1996 – 1999
- Bachelor studies at the University of Arts “Académie des Beaux-Arts” (major subject: Oil painting), Kinshasa
1986 – 1994
- Middle school (emphasis on arts) “Institut des Beaux-Arts de Lubumbashi”, Lubumbashi
1984 – 1986
- Primary school “Kiwele”, Bloc II, Lubumbashi
1983 – 1984
- Primary school “Ep. Misingi” (of the evangelic-methodistic church), Lubumbashi
1979 – 1982
- Primary school “St. Jean” in Likasi
2020 – Present
- Full Professor at the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2016 – Present
- Rector of the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2015 – 2016
- Head of the oil painting department of the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2015
- Associate Professor at the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2010 – 2015
- Chef de travaux at the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2010
- Artist residency and assistant teacher, summer academy of Libramont, Belgium
- Workshop Triangle Arts Association, Brooklyn, New York, USA
2009 – 2011
- Head of the oil painting department of the “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2009
- Artist residency, summer academy of Libramont, Belgium
2007
- Artist residency (Yambi 2007) in the cultural center of Louvain la Neuve, Ottignies, Belgium
2006 – 2012
- Courses for children, visits in kindergartens and schools, especially in establishments for children with special needs
- Workshops in higher educational institutions (above all in Belgium and Austria)
1999 – 2010
- Assistant lecturer at the University of Arts “Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2022
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, National Museum, in honor of the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture
- Switzerland, Montreux, MAG, 18th edition
2019
- DR Congo, “Art Sultani Makutano 5”
2018
- Japan, Tokyo, Art Fair Tokio, “World Art Tokyo 2018”
- China, Hangzhou, China Academy of Art, “Xihai Yitong”
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, “75ans de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa”
2016
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, TMB Gallery Le monde du flamboyant
2014
- China, Hangzhou, "All Art Under The Sun," The CAA International College Biennial 2014
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Place des Evolués, “African Art Jobs – 2nd edition”
2013
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Spanish Embassy, “African Art Jobs,” Spanish Embassy
2012
- Austria, Linz/Leonding, Permanent exhibition, "Kalama - Kunst im Gruabncenter"
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, TMB Gallery Le monde du flamboyant, "Abstrait"
- China, Hangzhou, "The 5th biennial exhibition of the International College of China Academy of Art"
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Symphonie des Arts, "Francophonie 2012"
- Germany, Dortmund, Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, "Le surréel Congo," in the scope of "Kinshasa - Stadt der Bilder"
- China, Hangzhou, "Century Stars"
2011
- Austria, Pettenbach, Pfarrhof, “Kongo”
- South Africa, Johannesburg, “Art for Peace”
- Austria, Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Sarto Galerie im RIZ Gründerzentrum, “(M)Ein Blick ins Land Niederösterreich”
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Residency of the French ambassador, "Terre d'artistes"
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, TMB Gallery Le monde du flamboyant, "50ans de l'indépendance"
2010
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, “Symphonie des Arts,” “Cinquante ans de l’indépendance”
- Cameroon, Duala, “Cercle municipal de Duala,” “Couleurs et toiles”
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Gallery "Palanka"
- DR Congo, Lubumbashi, Gallery “Palanka”
- USA, New York, Dumbo Arts Festival
- Austria, Leonding, Raiffeisenbank Gallery, 50 years of independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- USA, Florida, "Arts for a Better World"
2009
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Residence of the French ambassador, “RD Congo - Terre d'artistes”
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, “Symphonie des Arts”
- Belgium, Brussels, Gallery “Fayla,” “Art Shop 09”
2008
- Belgium, Brussels, Gallery “Fayla”
- Austria, Leonding, “Tage des offenen Ateliers” (solo exhibition)
- Belgium, Brussels, De Pianofabriek de Saint-Gilles, “Nyanga Weekend”
- Belgium, Brussels, Gallery “Fayla,” “Dans l’ombre … ou la lumière”
2007
- China, Hangzhou, Exhibition of the international department of “China Academy of Art”
- China, Shenzhen, “Xin Shi Jue 07,” National exhibition of the most distinguished graduates of all oil painting departments of China, He Xiangning Art Museum
- China, Hangzhou, Auction “Zhu xue li ren”
- Belgium, Ottignies Louvain la Neuve, “Yambi,” Cultural center Ottignies
- Belgium, Brussels, “Art Shop 07,” Gallery “Fayla”
2006
- China, Hangzhou, “Century Stars,” Exhibition of the Oilpainting Department of the “China Academy of Art”
- Germany, Bochum Museum, Bergmannsheil
- Austria, Leonding/Linz, RBL-Gallery, “Vibrations – Schwingungen” (solo exhibition)
2005
- China, Chengdu, “Chengdu Biennale”
- China, Shanghai, “I. Gallery”
- China, Ningbo, Oilpainting exhibition of Zhejiang province, “Zhejiang youhua dazhan”
- China, Hangzhou, Auction “Yuewang”
2004
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, “Symphonie des Arts”
- Poland, Krakau, Gallery “Tarnowskiego”
- Germany, Dortmund, Exhibition “Bikeko! Faszination kongolesischer Kunst” („Bikeko! Fascination of Congolese Arts“) in RWE Sonnenenergieforum in Westfalenpark
2003
- China, Hangzhou, Summer University in the course of the program “Export deutscher Studieninhalte” (“Export of German study contents”), a cooperation of the “University of Arts Berlin” and the “China Academy of Art”
2002
- China, Shanghai, Painter village (solo exhibition)
2001 – Present
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Permanent exhibition in the gallery “Symphonie des Arts”
1997
- DR Congo, Kinshasa, Hotel “Memling”
1994 – 1996
- DR Congo, Lubumbashi, Permanent exhibition in the gallery “Madame Lebrun”
1994
- DR Congo, Lubumbashi, “Cercle Wallon”
2022
- Prize « Palme d’Or panafricain » by the « Collectif pour les États Unis d’Afrique »
2019
- Diploma of Excellency and Merit for his support and efforts in the fields of teaching and mentoring of the youth, as well as all his positive actions in the artistic field for the development and reconstruction of the DRC; he is a model man and actor of development. By “Action pour le développement Asbl”
- Prize “Lokumu” (Honor): Cultural man of the year. By Arts.cd
2017
- Culture Prize. By Bravo X
- Diploma of Merit for involvement in the transformation and modernization of infrastructure, education, and brand image of the Academy of Fine Arts of Kinshasa. By the "Journal Universitaire"
- Diploma of Merit for the commitment in the fight against the stigmatization of albinism. By "Plus de couleurs"
- Diploma of Merit for successful professional integration. By the "Association of Congolese Former Students in China"
- Malebo Pool Award for Culture. By Maxy Agency
2016
- Award for Best Visual Artist. By Maxy Agency
2014
- Prize for outstanding work, "All Art Under The Sun," The China Academy of Art International College Biennial 2014
2012
- Award for best artist, at "The 5th biennial exhibition of the International College of China Academy of Art"
2007
- Recognition for five best graduating artists of the province of Zhejiang, China
2006
- Recognition for outstanding works, awarded by the International College of the “China Academy of Art”
1998
- Competition “Europakino,” awarded by the cultural centre “Wallonie Bruxelles,” Belgium
- “Bernard Scully,” awarded by “Chevron Oil Congo”