Kinshasa, Zaire by Moke

Kinshasa’s legendary nightlife is illustrated in this poster of "Skol Primus" (1991), painted by the world-renowned Congolese master Moke, showcasing two late-night patrons surrounded by classic Skol and Primus beer bottles under glowing neon bar lights.

This poster commemorates the historic Beauté Congo — 1926-2015 — Congo Kitoko exhibition held at the prestigious Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris in 2015.  It seamlessly blends retro advertising aesthetic with raw, expressive African urban pop art.  Moke's paintings were inspired by his own experiences of living in Kinshasa and depict groups of youths in bars, bustling street scenes, the flamboyant posturing of the city's fashionable 'sapeurs'.  The art historians, Enwezor and Okeke describe Moke as a "veritable visual journalist", with an eye for the "pictorial thrill of mundane experience, of the urban folk, or the spectacular performance of official pageantry".

Artist: Moke (Monsengwo Kejwamfi, 1950–2001)

Dimensions: 80 cm x 58 cm

Year of Publication: 2015

Country of Origin: France

Printer: Unknown.

Print type: Offset Lithograph.

Condition: Excellent, unbacked.