Musonga Mbogo is a self-taught neo expressionist painter, who lives and works on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land, Canberra. Through his work, Musonga tells a unique story of his Tanzanian and Zimbabwean roots and his Australian upbringing. His use of bold colour and expressive brushwork is equally playful and simple (aesthetically) as it is thoughtful and complex (thematically).
As an El Rancho exhibiting artist, we had the opportunity to ask Musonga about the ideas and techniques behind his work.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your art practice. How did you start painting?
For sure, my name is Musonga, I am a visual artist where I mainly focus on painting. I am based in Canberra and have been practicing professionally for seven years. As a child I learned to paint from my mother and have been painting ever since.
Where do you create art?
Whilst I was overseas, I painted in hotel rooms and even in a little studio in Italy. But the backyard of my family home is still my favourite place ever. I’m also trying to get back into the habit of carrying a sketchbook around again.
What is your creative process like?
I would say it’s quite impulsive and spontaneous. I’ll only premeditate on my colour palette but everything else is created based on feeling and intuition and whatever is happening around me.
You’ve told us music inspires your work, what kind of music do you listen to and do you have any favourite musicians?
Definitely. Music questions are my favourite! My paintings tend to incorporate song lyrics and musical references. My taste is pretty mood dependent. I genuinely listen to every genre of music. While painting I lean more towards neo-soul and jazz, if I’m after something chill, or amapiano, afrofusion and hip hop if I want energy. Identifying my favourite musician/s is always a tricky question, but at this point in time I would say – Sampha, Cleo Sol, Tems, Erykah Badu, Amerie and Oscar #Worldpeace.
What are some of the ideas that you explore in your work and the mediums that you tend to work with?
Through my work I like to reflect on the beauty and contrast of life. Life is such an unpredictable journey and I feel like that’s what makes it a never-ending source of inspiration. Across each canvas I reflect on the present moment — how I feel, what’s inspiring me & anything that is happening in the world. I’m grateful because it helps me remain present in that way. It’s because of this I describe my work as equally playful and simple (aesthetically) and thoughtful and complex (thematically). I tend to work with spray paint, acrylics and oil pastels because they bring an equal balance of soft and coarse — much like life itself.
Tell us a bit about the artworks you've made for the El Rancho collection. What does this work mean to you?
The artworks I’ve made lean more into earthy colours and tones. For me this series represents feelings that are calming, peaceful and tranquil. The works themselves are quite dynamic but I find the colours are what make them feel soothing.
Your collection has come together beautifully. Is there one piece in particular that stands out to you and why?
Thank you! I really like Soul Searching II. I like framing my work because it makes the pieces feel really homely. This artwork is actually part of a series with the same name. I named the artworks after the song Soul Searching by Kokoroko.
