Born in 1976, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lives and works in Kinshasa
After earning his baccalaureate at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1995, Pathy Tshindele continued his studies at the same institution, obtaining a degree in visual arts in 1999 with a specialization in sculpture. In 2003, he co-founded the collective Eza Possible with other graduates of the Academy. The collective aimed to break free from academic constraints and favor a raw, radical artistic language, rejecting conventional forms.
In 2005, Tshindele furthered his education at the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg, earning his diploma three years later, in 2008.
For Pathy Tshindele, art is not merely an academic discipline but a means to question reality and act upon it. His works, imbued with social urgency and the tensions of his country, go beyond mere aesthetic representation. Car wrecks, ubiquitous in the streets of Kinshasa, become essential elements in his installations. These relics, symbols of the contradictions of his country, are placed within the Academy of Fine Arts itself, creating a dialogue between art and everyday reality.
His works are acts of resistance, introducing social concerns, violence, and the harsh realities of Congolese life into art. Through performances and installations, Pathy Tshindele intertwines art and politics, blending personal and collective histories.
Tshindele’s art, whether visual or performative, is directly inspired by the vibrancy of Kinshasa. Yet it is perhaps his paintings that best summarize his commitment: they condense the city’s revolt, energy, and light, reflecting both his personal story and that of his people. Through them, Pathy Tshindele asserts himself as a global citizen, deeply rooted in the reality of his country while engaging in a universal dialogue.