Masela Nkolo, a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, was born in Kinshasa, Congo, where he specialized in large-scale sculpture at the academy of fine arts. His creative journey is deeply influenced by his experiences during the Congo Civil War, including repairing oil lanterns for his community amid power shortages. He repurposes discarded lanterns and other objects into creatures that embody human experiences, while screwdrivers once used for protection now add aesthetic and emotional depth to his masks. Through his art, Masela aims to provoke reflection, inspire change, and foster meaningful community engagement.

“My creative journey is rooted in personal experiences shaped by the Congo Civil War. Growing up amidst power shortages, I repaired oil lanterns for my community, a necessity that evolved into a profound artistic inspiration. Collecting discarded lanterns and other objects, I deconstruct and reconstruct them into creatures symbolizing human experiences and narratives. Similarly, the screwdrivers once used for protection during my childhood are now repurposed in my art, offering aesthetic, philosophical, and emotional dimensions to my masks. Like nails in traditional Congolese Nkisi sculptures, these welded screwdrivers symbolize the ritual activation of positivity within my sculptures, transcending their original purpose.” - Masela Nkolo

“Artifacts are alive. Each has a voice. They remind us what it means to be human – that it is our nature to survive, to create works of beauty, to be resourceful, to be attentive to the world we live in. “ - Terry Tempest Williams

https://www.maselankolo.art/properties-2