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
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.
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
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Credentials
2025
- Mwana Congo, OpenArtExchange, Schiedam (Rotterdam), Netherlands
2022
- National Museum, in honor of the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- MAG, 18th edition, Montreux, Switzerland
2019
- Art Sultani Makutano 5, DR Congo
2018
- World Art Tokyo 2018, Japan
- Xihai Yitong, China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
- 75ans de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2016
- Le monde du flamboyant, TMB Gallery, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2014
- All Art Under The Sun, The CAA International College Biennial 2014, Hangzhou, China
- African Art Jobs – 2nd edition, Place des Evolués, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2013
- African Art Jobs, Spanish Embassy, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2012
- Kalama - Kunst im Gruabncenter, Permanent exhibition, Linz/Leonding, Austria
- Abstrait, TMB Gallery Le monde du flamboyant, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- The 5th biennial exhibition of the International College of China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
- Francophonie 2012, Symphonie des Arts, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Le surréel Congo, in the scope of "Kinshasa - Stadt der Bilder, Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, Dortmund, Germany
- Century Stars, Hangzhou, China
2011
- Kongo, Pfarrhof, Pettenbach, Austria
- Art for Peace, Johannesburg, South Africa
- (M)Ein Blick ins Land Niederösterreich, Sarto Galerie im RIZ Gründerzentrum, Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Austria
- Terre d'artistes, Residency of the French ambassador, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- 50ans de l'indépendance, TMB Gallery Le monde du flamboyant, Kinshasa, DR Congo
2010
- Cinquante ans de l’indépendance, Symphonie des Arts, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Couleurs et toiles, Cercle municipal de Duala, Duala, Cameroon
- Gallery Palanka, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Gallery Palanka, Lubumbashi, DR Congo
- Dumbo Arts Festival, New York, United States
- 50 years of independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Raiffeisenbank Gallery, Leonding, Austria
- Arts for a Better World, Florida, United States
2009
- RD Congo - Terre d'artistes, Residence of the French ambassador, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Symphonie des Arts, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Art Shop 09, Gallery Fayla, Brussels, Belgium
2008
- Gallery Fayla, Brussels, Belgium
- Tage des offenen Ateliers (solo exhibition), Leonding, Austria
- Nyanga Weekend, De Pianofabriek de Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Belgium
- Dans l’ombre … ou la lumière, Gallery Fayla, Brussels, Belgium
2007
- Exhibition at the international department of China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
- Xin Shi Jue 07, National exhibition of the most distinguished graduates of all oil painting departments of China, He Xiangning Art Museum, Shenzhen, China
- Auction Zhu xue li ren, Hangzhou, China
- Yambi, Cultural center Ottignies, Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
- Art Shop 07, Gallery Fayla, Brussels, Belgium
2006
- Century Stars, Exhibition of the Oilpainting Department of the China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
- Bochum Museum, Bergmannsheil, Germany
- Vibrations – Schwingungen (solo exhibition), RBL-Gallery, Leonding/Linz, Austria
2005
- Chengdu Biennale, Chengdu, China
- I. Gallery, Shanghai, China
- Zhejiang youhua dazhan, Oilpainting exhibition of Zhejiang province, Ningbo, China
- Auction Yuewang, Hangzhou, China
2004
- Symphonie des Arts, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Gallery Tarnowskiego, Krakau, Poland
- Bikeko! Faszination kongolesischer Kunst (Bikeko! Fascination of Congolese Arts), RWE Sonnenenergieforum in Westfalenpark, Dortmund, Germany
2003
- 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, Hangzhou, China
2002
- Painter village (solo exhibition), Shanghai, China
2001 – Present
- Permanent exhibition in the gallery Symphonie des Arts, Kinshasa, DR Congo
1997
- Hotel Memling, Kinshasa, DR Congo
1994 – 1996
- Gallery Madame Lebrun, Lubumbashi, DR Congo
1994
- Cercle Wallon, Lubumbashi, DR Congo
2011 – 2014
- PhD studies China Academy of Art (major subject: Fine Arts), Hangzhou, China
2004 – 2007
- Master studies at China Academy of Art (major subject: Oil painting), Hangzhou, China
2001 – 2003
- Advanced studies at China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China
1996 – 1999
- Bachelor studies at the University of Arts (major subject: Oil painting), Kinshasa, DR Congo
1986 – 1994
- Middle school (emphasis on arts), Institut des Beaux-Arts de Lubumbashi, DR Congo
1984 – 1986
- Primary school Kiwele, Bloc II, Lubumbashi, DR Congo
1983 – 1984
- Primary school Ep. Misingi (of the evangelic-methodistic church), Lubumbashi, DR Congo
1979 – 1982
- Primary school St. Jean in Likasi, DR Congo
2020 – Present
- Full Professor at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2016 – Present
- Rector of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2015 – 2016
- Head of the oil painting department of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2015
- Associate Professor at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2010 – 2015
- Chef de travaux at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, DR Congo
2010
- Artist residency and assistant teacher, Summer Academy of Libramont, Belgium
- Workshop Triangle Arts Association, Brooklyn, New York, United States
2009 – 2011
- Head of the oil painting department of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de 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”, DR Congo
2022
- Prize 'Palme d’Or panafricain'. Awarded 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. Awarded by Action pour le développement Asbl
- Prize 'Lokumu' (Honor): Cultural man of the year. Awarded 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. Awarded by the Journal Universitaire
- Diploma of Merit for the commitment in the fight against the stigmatization of albinism. Awarded by Plus de couleurs
- Diploma of Merit for successful professional integration. Awarded by the Association of Congolese Former Students in China
- Malebo Pool Award for Culture. Awarded by Maxy Agency
2016
- Award for Best Visual Artist. Awarded 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