Congolese artist puts life in the frame with his surreal works

SELF-taught Congolese artist Peter Kamuanza is using his surreal artworks and everyday life to connect people from all walks of life.

Kamuanza, 22, who goes by the name of Peter DK, started drawing at the age of 9. “It took a lot of practice and consistency, and improvement took place over the years,” he said.

Kamuanza moved from Angola to South Africa with his family for a better education in 2008.

His art, which he sketches using pencils, charcoal and paint, derives from hyper-realistic drawings of people, surrealism and everyday things.

“I am inspired by the people around me and things that happen in my everyday life, whether it's good or bad. Drawing and painting brings me peace and hope for a better world than the one we're living in right now.”

His goal was to keep the art community alive and inspire the generation of today and tomorrow.

“Despite all the trouble and loss the pandemic has caused, I've used this as an advantage to stay home, be creative and improve my drawing skills.

“In other words, I didn't stop. It has been a great opportunity for me because all I did was post my works on social media and I automatically started attracting clients. People started asking me about my work and placing orders for portraits and other commissions,” Kamuanza said.

“Social media has been a great blessing for me to showcase my works and have it reach many people from all over.”

He added that it was courage that inspired his art.

“Creativity takes courage whether you're an artist, a dancer, a singer, model or whatever you want to do in life. It's never too late; you just gotta believe in yourself even if no one believes in you,” he said.

Follow Kamuanza on Instagram @peter_dk_art, and Facebook, Peter DK Art