Joy Yamusangie, 26, is a London-born artist who has created a beautiful artwork that Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will present to the next London Borough’s of Culture for 2021 and 2023.
Their image-scapes are compound works, mixed media composites that draw on the artist’s reflections on selfhood, life in London and experiences visiting family in Kinshasa, Congo.
Joy has attracted attention for the dynamic, multi-layered nature of their work which juxtaposes ideas, styles and media to create a language that is both their own and instantly relatable.
Joy created the London Borough of Culture 2021 and 2023 artwork at Chris Bramble’s pottery studio in Kilburn, Brent – the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture for 2020.
The artwork, a deep shade of blue, is intended to evoke the Thames. It is inspired by Oyster cards and the Tube – lines that run through the capital, linking the boroughs together.
Joy said: “I’ve lived in London for most of my life and have formed memories in every part of the city. Tube maps, lines, verbal directions and parties have allowed me to make friends in new boroughs, creating stories and forming connections. With this in mind I wanted to create a piece that focuses on this constant travel throughout the city.”
“I wanted to make these pieces out of ceramics, as I enjoy experimenting with different mediums, learning new skills and bringing forward my illustration skills into different textures. Ceramics was a medium introduced and taught to me by Chris’s daughter Freya Bramble-Carter. Both Freya and Chris have been a real inspiration for me. As master craftspeople and artists, they’ve taught me new techniques and allowed me to explore a new medium.”
From doing illustration to using fabrics and screen printing, Joy wants to encourage artists to try out as many different disciplines as possible.
Joy said: “When I started out, I thought I needed to stick to one medium and have a fixed style for the rest of my career but throughout the years I have learnt this isn’t necessary. I always want to learn as much as I can, develop my skills, set new challenges and take inspiration from different crafts. I like that with this way, you never know where a creative project will lead you.”
Keep up to date with Joy by following them on Instagram or visit joyyamusangie.com.
The artworks will be presented by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, when he announces who will be London Borough of Culture for 2021 and 2023 at a special presentation at City Hall on 11 February.
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