Chéri Chérin, 1955–2025

Joseph Kinkonda, known as Chéri Chérin, was born on February 16th, 1955 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire).

He studied at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Kinshasa under Austrian ceramic artist Peter Weihs. During this period, Chérin began painting posters in his residential quarter of Ndjili.

He created murals on the walls of bars, barbershops, and small boutiques — vivid depictions of daily life, often infused with serious social commentary.

Today, Chérin is recognized as one of Kinshasa’s most prominent painters and serves as a mentor to many young, talented artists.

source: Political Art