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 varied paint media, with early paintings made on sacking cloth.
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 media | Alkyd paint · Enamel paint · Acrylic paint · Oil paint |
| Common supports | Canvas · Fabric, including early sacking cloth |
| Common elements | Figures, written text, autobiography, social observation, and humor |
| Documented examples | Condemnation without Trial (1989–90), alkyd enamel and glitter paint on canvas · The Draughtsman, Chéri Samba (1981), acrylic on canvas · Marche de soutien à la campagne sur le SIDA (1988), oil and glitter on prepared canvas · paintings on sacking cloth documented from 1975 |
| Known for | Combining painted scenes with direct written commentary in Lingala and French |
Sources: MoMA: Condemnation without Trial, MoMA: The Draughtsman, Chéri Samba, Centre Pompidou: Marche de soutien à la campagne sur le SIDA, MoMA: Chéri Samba, and MAMCO Genève: 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.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is a broad category of coatings designed to form a hard and durable finish. Modern enamels may use either oil-based or water-based binders.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint made with pigment and an acrylic polymer binder. It is widely used in art and decorative projects because it is versatile and durable.
Oil Paint
Oil paint is a slow-drying paint made with pigment and a drying oil binder. It is widely used for artwork because it blends smoothly and develops rich color.
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.
Fabric
Fabric is a flexible material made by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibers. Its fiber content, texture, stretch, and washability affect how paint bonds and wears.
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