bio
Jimi Kabela is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabela obtained his MFA from Pratt Institute after completing his BFA at the University of Texas, Arlington.
His artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by his global voyages, traversing various corners of the world. Having explored every continent except Antarctica and Australia, Kabela draws inspiration from these diverse cultural experiences. His creative focus encompasses a keen interest in typography, language, and the power of communication.
statement I use remnants of traditional African textiles, oil paint—a medium deeply rooted in Western art—and other materials to explore the duality of my cultural experience, having Congolese roots and being raised in Dallas, Texas. The bold, vibrant patterns worn by the men and women of the Congo serve as powerful reminders of my ancestors, language, and origins, while my abstract paintings reflect the influence of my American experiences.
My work seeks to capture the complexity, energy, and interconnected rhythms of both African and American cultures. Through the layering of paint and textiles, I use collage and abstraction to visually depict this duality. Geometry, typography, and process play a central role in harmonizing these influences, creating compositions that embody the dynamic intersection of heritage and contemporary identity.