Alkyd Paint
Alkyd paint is a resin-based coating that levels into a smooth, durable finish. It is available in traditional solvent-based formulas and newer waterborne versions.
Painter
Chéri Samba
Chéri Samba is a Congolese painter known for narrative scenes combining figures, written text, autobiography, humor, social commentary, and the use of alkyd enamel paint.
Related: Jean-Michel Basquiat · Keith Haring
Chéri Samba quick facts
Review key details about Chéri Samba's career, Congolese painting context, narrative scenes, written text, autobiography, humor, and social commentary shaping his work.
| Practice | Narrative figurative painting |
|---|---|
| Paint-related medium | Alkyd paint, including alkyd enamel |
| Common elements | Figures, written text, autobiography, social observation, and humor |
| Documented example | Condemnation without Trial (1989–90), alkyd enamel and glitter paint on canvas |
| Known for | Combining painted scenes with direct written commentary in Lingala and French |
Sources: MoMA: Condemnation without Trial and MoMA: Chéri Samba.
Paint types used
See the paint types documented in Samba's work, with links to PaintZeal references explaining each medium's properties, uses, and working characteristics.
Surface types used
See the surface types documented in Samba's work, with links to PaintZeal references explaining how each support behaves and is prepared for painting.
Canvas
Canvas is a woven fabric support used for paintings, banners, bags, décor, and other projects. Artist canvas may be raw, sized, acrylic-primed, oil-primed, or factory-coated, and each condition changes how paint absorbs and bonds.