Mulenga Mukonda: Zambian abstract and architectural photographer expressing the extraordinary within everyday life

Mulenga Mukonda is an emerging visual artist working in photography to express himself and to see the world around him. He was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia's capital.

Before he discovered himself to be an artist, he enjoyed poetry and other forms of literature, and hence he aspired to be a poet and an essayist. However, in 2021, he discovered that he loves being an artist and started practising his art through photography.

His artistry is mainly characterised by abstraction — partial and sometimes complete abstracts — and a minimalist approach to creating images that sometimes resemble paintings. In a sense, he uses his camera as a paintbrush and the world around him as his canvas.

How would you describe yourself?

Interestingly, Mulenga, which is a Cibemba (one of the widely spoken languages in Zambia) name, translates to “a creator or maker or someone who does the aforementioned.” Just as my name suggests, I describe myself as an artist and a creator who is curious and fascinated by the mundane or the daily musings of everyday life. 

I ride and thrive on the belief that every subject in my surroundings has a unique story or fascinating element attached to it, though admittedly this may not be obvious at first glance. This belief endears me to pause, observe, and acknowledge the existence of the subjects around me with keen interest and intent. Ultimately, something beautiful and aesthetically pleasing is created, and oftentimes it is in the least expected or unusual situations where the images are made.

How did you get started in photography?

My eureka moment happened in the fall of 2020. On Instagram, I had stumbled upon the works of two local photographers, namely Dana Patel and Chona Mwemba (popularly known as Severino the Wolf). Shortly thereafter, I also discovered another photographer, Kalenga Nkonge (aka Bonkoti), and a photography platform called Everyday Lusaka, initiated by Sana Ginwalla.

The images and stories shared by these photographers instantly caught my interest. They captured raw, authentic, and everyday living in a way I had never seen before. I was intrigued, mesmerised, and undoubtedly inspired by them.

In 2021, I began my journey taking pictures on my iPhone 6s since I could not afford a decent camera at the time.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Architecture and Abstract photography. I started out shooting what can be classified as street photography. Like my predecessors, the artists who inspired my craft, I set out to capture and tell everyday stories that were seemingly overlooked or that went unnoticed.

Over time, my style has changed. Currently, I am drawn to and inspired by Architecture, Abstract art, and graphic design, and these art forms have heavily influenced the nature and style of my work.

Added exposure to modern and post-war artists like Mark Rothko and Joan Mitchell of the Abstract Expressionist movement, and contemporary abstract artists like Trevor Coleman (South Africa), and Zambian-based artists like Augustine Kagimu, Bert Witkamp, and Vincentio Phiri, not to mention Maarten Rots, an artist from the Netherlands, has also greatly influenced my creativity and artistry.

I am fascinated by how art and design elements such as colour, shapes, patterns, textures, and compositions are used by these artists to paint pictures and tell their stories. This has greatly contributed to my artistic process, which relies mainly on graphic and design elements such as light and shadow, colour, pattern, texture, and collage or layering to create visually striking, appealing images that are interesting and intriguing to viewers.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My work centres and focuses on turning the ordinary, the overlooked, everyday things, and the entirety of the mundane into the extraordinary — sort of giving these somewhat lifeless things and objects some life. 

And though my work is non-representational to reality, it takes already existing things and objects and gives them a new context or perspective. In this way, viewers and others can see and interpret the mundane and everyday from a different perspective.

With my artistic style and approach, I aim and aspire to create a visual language that will help and inspire people to look at their surroundings, environment, and the world at large in a different light and perspective — observing, acknowledging, and appreciating the little and tiny yet significant details and beauty that surround them and helping them to be present and in the moment with themselves and their environment in this fast-paced world.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

There are actually two moments. One time, a lovely couple I had never met before, Mike and Ingrid Puffet, took me out for coffee because they liked my work. We had a wonderful time discussing my art and artistic approach. That moment was really dear to me.

Another time, an esteemed gallery expressed interest in showcasing my work. Although the exhibition did not happen, it was quite fulfilling that my work was considered by such a reputable gallery.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

I always doubt that my work is good enough to be collected or represented by a gallery. I am overcoming this challenge by reminding myself that the value of my work is not determined or dictated by whether it is represented or collected. Regardless of the situation, my work remains authentic, unique, and credible.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I would be happy to enter a partnership with 37D Gallery and Everyday Lusaka Gallery. I fancy the simplistic but rich, authentic, and diverse art and artists they showcase and represent. I feel my work would find some space on the walls of the galleries.

What do you think of 54Ruum?

It is a great platform and initiative that spotlights and showcases African talent. Very beautiful and commendable.

How's the photography and art space in Zambia?

Zambia has a rich history of art, especially in traditional forms such as painting and sculpture. There is tremendous growth in this particular field.

In terms of photography, we are slowly getting up to speed in practising and appreciating photography as an art form. The growth in this field has been steady and noteworthy in recent years, thanks to initiatives like Everyday Lusaka, the Bakashimika International Photography Festival, and the artists who inspired my craft.

These platforms and artists have contributed to the growth of this creative field, and they continue to spearhead and inspire many more to appreciate photography as a medium for creating art and telling different stories. It is also incredible to note that local photographers are exhibiting extensively, both locally and internationally.

Advice someone considering a career in photography

Find a mentor if you can, but most importantly, practise. That is how you train your eyes to see, find your own style, and get better at your craft.