Jean Katambayi Mukendi's 'RATIO' Exhibition at KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin

The exhibition 'RATIO' by Jean Katambayi Mukendi is currently on display at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin, running until May 10, 2026. Born in 1974 in the DRC, the Congolese artist delves into themes of duality, such as natural versus artificial and growth versus destruction, through his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. His experience as an electrician influences his emphasis on engineering and mathematics, tackling global disparities in resource extraction and power dynamics. A key piece, 'mukendi kabongo Air hybrid Wings RDC26FG', creatively combines elements from aviation, agriculture, and military machinery, crafted from materials sourced during a 2025 residency. The installation is framed by two large-scale paintings: 'Divina', which resembles a printed circuit board and references copper and cobalt mining in the DRC, and 'Vita', which contemplates social fractures over natural resources. Drawings placed between windows reflect on human interactions with ecology, technology, and economics, including climate change and cryptocurrency. This exhibition marks Mukendi's debut in Germany, prompting questions about the link between energy ownership and geopolitical power.