Artist in Residence: Joy Yamusangie

Joy Yamusangie is a British Congolese visual artist living in the UK. Joy’s work exists both within dream and reality, creating fictional characters and worlds that provide insights into the artist's real life. Their works range from drawings to paintings and print making. Previous work have included a public art installation commissioned by Tate, designing the cover of C. L. R. James' Minty Alley and being selected for the RA Summer show in 2021.

You’re the Artist in Residence at Seventy Five at Liberty – what can you tell us about the work on display?

It’s a mix of different series - some older works and some recent ones. A lot of my work focuses on intimacy, identity, and everyday life - being trans, Congolese, and everything that makes up who I am. While they’re different series, together they reflect my life.

Your work spans different mediums but feels so cohesive. How did you develop your style?

I studied illustration, though I originally wanted to go into animation - especially stop motion. I’ve always been inspired by cartoons and animation, and that influence has stayed with me. I still think of my work as storytelling.

What do you want people to feel when they see your work?

I want people to feel a connection. I make work for myself first - telling my own story - but I’d love viewers to see a glimpse into my world. Even if they don’t connect, having a reaction - positive or negative - is important.

How central is identity to your practice?

It’s everything. It’s how I document my life. Some people take photos or write diaries - my work is my version of that. I’m learning that vulnerability is part of being an artist and connecting with people.

Who are your artistic influences?

I love Jonke - his use of colour really resonates with me, especially reds and purples.

Your work is very colourful, but your clothing isn’t. Why is that?

I find it hard to express myself through clothing. My artwork does that for me, so I don’t feel the need to do it in what I wear.

Your titles and text elements feel very poetic - where do they come from?

I actually find naming work really difficult. I’d probably leave everything untitled if I could. But titles help me keep track. The text comes from my background in illustration and comics. My work often feels like a graphic novel - the black frames resemble comic panels. I use text in a similar way.

Do you use fiction as a way to explore personal experiences?

Yes - it creates a bit of distance, but the work is still rooted in reality. The characters are flawed and often based on myself, people I know, or conversations I’ve heard.

Where do your ideas come from?

Everyday life. For example, one series was inspired by a woman I saw in Dalston - dressed head-to-toe in blue, looking like she’d come from church, then walking into a betting shop. That moment made me wonder about her story, and it sparked a whole body of work.

Do you often find inspiration like that?

All the time. Living in London, there’s so much happening. If I want inspiration, I just go outside - sometimes just taking my headphones off helps me notice more.

That’s a very intentional way of engaging with the world.

I think we often find everyday things exciting when we travel, but forget that our own surroundings can be just as inspiring. It’s about shifting your perspective - realising that daily life can be full of interesting moments.

Finally, how would you describe your practice overall?

It’s storytelling rooted in my life - blending reality and fiction, exploring identity, and capturing small, intimate moments.