Steve Bandoma’s art confronts themes of colonial and post-colonial oppression with a playful, often ironic tone. His mixed-media creations burst with energetic visuals that, upon closer examination, reveal an underlying order amid apparent chaos. For Bandoma, the role of the artist is inherently political, and his works powerfully communicate his observations on social and political realities. Rejecting traditional art methods that seemed disconnected from the vibrant contemporary popular art emerging outside formal institutions, Bandoma sought new forms of expression that challenge restrictive definitions of African art and naturalism. His time in South Africa exposed him to avant-garde influences, fueling his drive to innovate before returning to Kinshasa to further develop his artistic voice. Working across sculpture, painting, drawing, and collage, Bandoma repurposes images from magazines, transforming familiar visuals into fresh, dynamic compositions. His work captures the lively energy and complex realities of Kinshasa’s urban environment, weaving fragmented figures, bold colors, and layered collage into expressions that balance chaos with humor amid political turmoil. His art critically reexamines African history and identity, while also offering a hopeful perspective toward transformation and renewal. ...
