Kriss Munsya
Kriss Munsya is a Congolese-born visual artist currently living in Vancouver, BC.
Kriss Munsya is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '23
Kriss Munsya is a Congolese-born visual artist currently living in Vancouver, BC.
He grew up in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, and that era was very important for him. As a first- generation African immigrant, Munsya was consistently confronted with normalized and often violent racism from a young age. These experiences fed his vision of the world and himself within it.
Munsya is a self-taught artist, with experience in photography, graphic design, music and video production. Art has been present in his life from an early age, but he decided to focus on photography five years ago because of his increasing involvement in social movements. He perceives photography to be an impactful medium that translates his experiences into open invitations to question the status quo.
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How would you describe your artistic style and what inspires your work?
I don't really have enough perspective to describe my style, and I'm not really sure I have one. I think I'm trying to mix in one piece different feelings and moods in order to create a dissonance that leads to more questioning.
Fabiana Dicuonzo
Curator
“Kriss Munsya's research unleashes the positive and flourishing energy of a man with a strong identity, combined with a gentle and colourful soul, happy to tell the story of his origins.
As a Congolese-born visual artist who moved to Belgium early in his childood, the artist, now based in Vancouver, has the powerful ability to express, through visual composition, a profound narrative with light sensitivity.
Solid and soft bodies, enveloped in a vivid and glossy atmosphere, convey a deep warmth, that of his homeland. The portrayal of his memories turns into the story of many becoming a tool to disseminate the themes of displacement, colonialism, racism, and identity.”
How has your work evolved over time?
I'm in the early stages of my career so it hasn't evolved that much, but I became more confident in my ambition.
What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?
The nostalgia of a time that doesn't exist... yet
Can you talk about a specific piece or series that holds a special significance to you?
My favourite piece at the moment is called Even. It was the very first photo I took while shooting my last series Genetic Bomb. I love it because the balance of the color is exactly what I wanted and the message is clear and subtle at the same time in my opinion. It says way more than what we see at first.
..and what was this message about?
Racism, colonialism, identity, hope, nostalgia.
What is your process for creating a new piece of art, how do you stay motivated?
When I have an idea for a photo, a movie or anything else, I write down the idea. Instead of jumping in the studio to create it, I wait to have multiple versions of the same idea written and when I have enough versions, I choose the one that fits my vision more.
Art is really integrated in my psyche, it's part of who I am. When I don't make art, when I'm not satisfied with my art, I am in depression. So I don't really have the choice. I'm don't really see it as a motivation to do art, I see it as a motivation to be/stay myself.
How do you balance your artistic career with the business aspect of being an artist?
It is really difficult for me. I guess I find the motivation and the time to work on the financial part of my career when I'm about to be broke.
Nina Kraus
Curator
“Kriss Munsya's photographs are rooted in self-exploration, prompting a critical examination of identity, race and the „white“ gaze. His protagonists faces are hidden behind a protective layer of colorful ribbons, flowers or glitter — we are meant to only to see selective parts, allowing the subjects to escape our gaze.
Using a distinctive visual language of theatrical compositions and richly colored settings, Munsya's film background shows, making the photographs appear like stills from a Surrealist movie.”
How do you see your work fitting within the larger context of contemporary art?
I don't really think about that. I just do my art. I don't consider my art sacred or so important that it has to be considered part of History. I'm just trying to have fun.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers?
Make your art like it was your last.
See more of Kriss’s work
