An early passion for art Jean-Paul Nsimbe Mika, born in 1980 in Kinshasa to a modest family, made the most of his artistic talent from a very young age. From the age of 13, he was creating murals, signs and posters for local bands, thereby providing…
An early passion for art
Jean-Paul Nsimbe Mika, born in 1980 in Kinshasa to a modest family, capitalised on his artistic talent from a very early age. From the age of 13, he created murals, signs and posters for local bands, thereby providing for his family:
“It fed me, but also my younger brothers and sisters. That’s just the way I am. I like helping others. We were poor, but at the same time, we were also rich.”
Despite financial obstacles during his school years, he obtained his state diploma in business and administration. The income from his commercial work funded his studies in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa, from which he graduated in 2007.
Meeting iconic figures of Congolese painting
His meeting with Chéri Chérin, a leading figure in Congolese painting, proved decisive. Through him, he met Chéri Samba, another artistic icon of the Congo. In 2008, JP Mika was chosen to join Chéri Chérin at an exhibition in Bilbao, marking his first steps towards international recognition. In 2011, he exhibited his series "Deux temps deux modes", juxtaposing past and present fashions with an animalistic touch, inherited from the popular Congolese style. 
A style that evolves
Initially influenced by his mentors, he gradually refined his distinctive style, favouring portraits on vibrant canvases or adorned with floral motifs reminiscent of vintage wallpaper. Details, often criticised during his training, are essential to him, with flowers symbolising joy. His works, generally large-scale, overflow with energy and uniqueness. Through his art, JP Mika aspires to spread joy, hope and happiness. The “Beauté Congo” exhibition at the Fondation Cartier in 2015 marked a major milestone in his career. JP Mika pays tribute to loyalty, divine greatness, love, and above all to “Sango Malamu”, the good news. “Where we come from, joy prevails even without means,” he says. “It is a unique characteristic. Personally, I remain joyful despite hardships. This painting conveys the hope that good news is always possible. ” He strives to celebrate human life, even when tackling serious subjects. In 2019, his first solo exhibition outside Africa was held at the Magnin-A gallery in Paris. Entitled “Bisengo”, meaning joy, the exhibition perfectly embodies the works on display: exuberance, delight and creativity. 