Marc Makalu Ndombasi – Contemporary Painter from Kinshasa

Marc Makalu

Innocence in the Face of Death

€1.335,00

Marc Makalu

Dream Lost in the Noise of Ore

€845,00

Marc Makalu

"Marc’s work moves between realism and quiet introspection, capturing figures and moments that feel both intimate and universal. Grounded in strong technical skill, his paintings evoke memory, presence, and the invisible layers of everyday life.

Deeply engaged with the human condition, Marc explores social realities across the African continent - from the exploitation of natural resources to child labor and restricted freedom of expression. The recurring use of muted tones, particularly around the mouths of his subjects, becomes a symbol of imposed silence and forgotten voices.

Through stillness and subtle gesture, his work invites reflection and reveals the emotional weight carried by the quietest details."

MEET

Marc Makalu

Marc Makalu Ndombasi, born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a contemporary visual artist whose work captures the soul of urban Africa through figurative painting. His artistic journey began at age five with a fascination for comic books—a spark that ignited a lifelong exploration of visual storytelling.

Trained at the Institut des Beaux-Arts and the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, Marc honed his craft in academic realism, building a foundation of technical precision while gradually expanding toward emotional resonance and conceptual expression. His work bridges traditional techniques and contemporary concerns, often exploring themes of identity, city life, memory, and cultural tension.

Living and working in Kinshasa, Makalu draws constant inspiration from the city's vibrant energy—its chaos, colour, rhythm, and contradictions. His canvases reflect the poetry of everyday life in the DRC, combining subtle narratives with bold compositions.

As a rising voice in the landscape of African contemporary art, Marc Makalu Ndombasi contributes to the growing visibility of Congolese creativity on the global stage. His work invites viewers to pause, observe, and feel the heartbeat of Kinshasa through paint.

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