Cheri Samba RDC, 1956

Cheri Samba's work, which is distinguished by iclear lines and bold colours, depicts scenes from everyday life and stands out for its use of subtitles and speech bubbles to address local and international political, economic, and cultural issues. Samba's artworks present an unified and unmistakably modern depiction of a troubled Africa. Samba aspires for universality, although being heavily influenced by his hometown. Samba personifies a half-innocent, half-activist observer transmitting what he thinks crucial signals, and he frequently appears in the middle of paintings.

Environmental issues (Probleme d'eau, 2004), tragic events (Après le 11 septembre 2001), corruption (Le Commun des politiciens, 2003), the ravages of AIDS, the renewal of world equilibrium (Le Monde avant les continents, 2011), and the recognition of African art by Western museums (Hommage aux anciens créateurs, 1999 and Enfin!... Après tant d'années, 2002) are some of the topics he addresses on his artworks.