Chéri Samba, (b. 1956, Kinto M'Vuila, Democratic Republic of Congo) is a renowned contemporary painter celebrated for his vibrant and thought-provoking works. At 16, he moved to Kinshasa, where he worked as a sign painter and illustrator, eventually opening his own studio in 1975. Samba's distinctive style combines vivid imagery with text in French and Lingala, offering commentary on social, political, and cultural issues in Africa and beyond.
His international recognition soared following his participation in the 1989 exhibition "Les Magiciens de la Terre" at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Since then, his works have been featured in major exhibitions, including a solo show at the Fondation Cartier in 2004 and the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007. Samba's art is held in prestigious collections such as the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; and The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) of Jean Pigozzi.