Johnny M. Bombenza
Johnny Mikiki Bombenza is a gifted artist from the Democratic Republic of Confo, who has devoted his career to creating beautiful and culturally profound African masks.
Apparent in each mask is not only a ‘story’ but the significance of spiritual belief. Johnny explains that each mask has “a reality that is not tangible”or other worldly. His masks talk of war, marriage, death, hunting, baptism, a widow’s grief, the sun’s blistering heat, and the lineage of the village chief. These masks are spoken to, celebrated and ceremonial. They are not just works of art to hang on the wall; they serve a very important role in the Congolese culture. They embody the spirits of loved ones who have passed away, sages who warn of danger and of good hunting and fishing. They are meant to be spoken to and they speak back. They are the voices from within each of us.
Apparent in each mask is not only a ‘story’ but the significance of spiritual belief. Johnny explains that each mask has “a reality that is not tangible”or other worldly. His masks talk of war, marriage, death, hunting, baptism, a widow’s grief, the sun’s blistering heat, and the lineage of the village chief. These masks are spoken to, celebrated and ceremonial. They are not just works of art to hang on the wall; they serve a very important role in the Congolese culture. They embody the spirits of loved ones who have passed away, sages who warn of danger and of good hunting and fishing. They are meant to be spoken to and they speak back. They are the voices from within each of us.
