Bodys Isek Kingelez

**Bodys Isek Kingelez** anaa **Jean Baptiste** (1948 – 14 March 2015) na he be a Congolese sculptor den artist dem know for ein models of fantastic cities, dem make of cardboard, paper, tape den oda commonplace materials. Na dem present ein work insyd chaw exhibitions around de globe, wey dey include exhibitions for de Centre Georges Pompidou insyd Paris den de Museum of Modern Art insyd New York den for de documenta XI insyd Kassel.
## Biography
Na dem born Kingelez de oldest of nine siblings insyd Kimbembele-Ihunga, Democratic Republic of Congo (na wat then be de Belgian Congo.) After he graduate from secondary school he move go Kinshasa insyd 1970. Until 1977 he study part-time wey he support einself by he teach for a school. Na dem hire am by de National Museum insyd Kinshasa as an art restorer, particularly insyd de restoration of African masks, til 1985 na wer he begin dey pursue de sculpture-centric practice he go later be known for full time.

During ein lifetime he no get a commercial art dealer make he represent ein work. He die insyd 2015 as a result of cancer.

## Works
Kingelez be known primarily for ein models of fantastic den utopian cities dem make of scrap materials like cardboard, paper den plastic; dese models dey depict an idealistic vision of society wey dey contrast wona harsh reality den dually a statement against de widespread construction fund by The World Bank in collaboration plus corrupt African regimes. He seek make he establish a fairy-tale world insyd ein work wey reflect ein inner fantasies den ideals na he envision for reality wey go be open give all make dem explore; as Sarah Suzuki,  curator for de Museum of Modern Art New York, say: *Kingelez's work creates "a place of optimism, a place of beauty... That feels very welcome.*"

Na Kingelez bell ein art *extrêmes maquettes* (English: extreme models), wey na he say about ein artistic approach: *“I make this most deeply imaginary, meticulous and well considered work with the aim of having more influence over life. As a black artist I must set a good example by receiving the light which pure art, this vital human instrument, kindles for the sake of all. Thanks to my deep hope for a happy tomorrow, I strive to better my quality, and the better becomes the wonderful. I exhibit a mode of expression which fits me like a glove, and I point out that I am another artist.”*

Kingelez create more dan 300 models, wey dey start plus individual architectural structures. Insyd 1992 he begin dey assemble entire cities plus chaw buildings, avenues, parks, stadiums den monuments. Na dem bell ein first model of a city Kimbembele-Ihunga after de village wer na dem born am. He describe ein process as firstly dey devise a name give each new project wich help make dem cultivate ideas den from der he go dive straight into fabrication.

Notable works of Kingelez dey include *Ville Fantôme* ("Phantom City," 1996) *Kin 3ème millénaire* ("Kinshasa: Project for the Third Millennium," 1997) den *La Ville du Futur* ("City of the Future," 2000).

## Exhibitions
Insyd 1989 na dem invite am to Paris make he present ein work for de Centre Georges Pompidou insyd de exhibition *Les Magiciens de la Terre* wey Jean-Hubert Martin curate den support by The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) of Jean Pigozzi.

Insyd 2010 he show ein project *Ville Fantôme* for de Centre Pompidou, Paris insyd a solo exhibition title *Dreamlands*.

Na dem present ein work insyd de retrospective exhibition *Bodys Isek Kingelez: City Dreams* insyd 2018 for de Museum of Modern Art, New York. alongsyd a VR recreation of de *Ville Fantôme* project dem create in collaboration plus German artist Carsten Höller.

## Collections
Na Kingelez ein work dey insyd de Jean Pigozzi collection, de Musée International des Arts Modestes (MIAM) collection insyd Sète, France, de Cartier Foundation insyd Paris den de Ludwig Foundation insyd Cologne.
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## References


## External links

* Body Isek Kingelez at www.culturebase.net
* Body Isek Kingelez Archived 2022-06-10 at the Wayback Machine at the Contemporary African Art Collection
* Bodys Isek Kingelez: the sculptor who built dreams (Bodys Isek Kingelez: el escultor que construía sueños) en Patrimonio Digital de la Humanidad