King Paris Congolese American, b. 1988
Bamileke Red, 2025
Oil on canvas
72 x 48 in
182.9 x 121.9 cm
182.9 x 121.9 cm
In Bamileke Red, King Paris places a striking Bamileke mask at the center of a deep, black void, commanding the viewer’s full attention. The mask, rendered in vivid red tones,...
In Bamileke Red, King Paris places a striking Bamileke mask at the center of a deep, black void, commanding the viewer’s full attention. The mask, rendered in vivid red tones, embodies the power, authority, and spiritual presence traditionally associated with the Bamileke people of Cameroon. Historically, such masks were worn during ceremonies to honor ancestors, celebrate leadership, and convey social hierarchy, a visual language of identity and communal memory.
By isolating the mask against a dark, infinite backdrop over a faint, ancient cameronian cloth pattern, Paris amplifies its essence for a contemporary audience. The mask seems to float, almost alive, emphasizing its role as both protector and witness. Every bead speaks to ancestral strength and the sacred artistry of the Bamileke people.