Ville alcoolique (Alcoholic City), 2026

Wani Wanguwabo  

Wanguwabo Wanny is a contemporary Congolese artist whose practice is rooted in the exploration of identity, collective memory, and resilience in the face of conflict. Based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, his work reflects the lived realities of communities affected by insecurity while celebrating the enduring strength and hope of the African spirit.

Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Wanny transforms paint into a powerful visual language that confronts both visible and invisible trauma. His compositions are distinguished by organic symbolism, particularly recurring motifs such as the eye and the ear, representing witness, remembrance, and the transmission of untold stories. Elements including dreadlocks and cartographic patterns further reinforce themes of cultural identity, belonging, and resistance, creating layered narratives that speak to personal and collective experiences.

Wanny received his artistic training at the Chukudu Art Center in Goma, where he developed the technical and conceptual foundations of his practice. He later spent two years collaborating with the INGOMA AFRIKA collective, an experience that deepened his engagement with socially conscious art and strengthened his commitment to using creativity as a tool for dialogue and transformation.

In 2025, Wanny participated in the Peace Exhibition at the MONUSCO Camp in Goma, where his work contributed to conversations surrounding peacebuilding, resilience, and reconciliation through art.

Today, Wanguwabo Wanny continues to create compelling works that challenge viewers to reflect on history, identity, and humanity. Through his evocative symbolism and expressive visual language, he affirms the dignity of individuals and communities while offering a message of hope carried by Africa's present and future generations.