Aimé Mpane
Working primarily with wood and an adze—a traditional African woodworking tool that dates back to the Stone Age—Belgium-based Congolese artist Aimé Mpane creates sculptures, mosaic-like wall hangings, and portraits carved on wood that explores the fundamental connection between place and personal identity. His practice points to the aesthetic and cultural character of contemporary Congo, while demonstrating a deep understanding of its history. Carved “masks” from is Le Demoiselle Pende/Masque Bi-face series resemble African masks while referencing the work of Pablo Picasso, whose imagery was influenced by an influence in Primitivism.