Beret

Born in 1968 in a small village of South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Béret is the only boy among ten siblings. As a child, he often accompanied his father, a wood‑worker, into the forest to gather timber. These early walks through dense jungle, surrounded by monkeys, birds and other wild animals, shaped his imagination and his deep connection to nature.

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Though not drawn to formal schooling, Béret discovered early on his passions, first music and then painting. At age 17, he began a journey that would take him through several countries of the Great Lakes region (Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania), torn between his musical vocation and a growing love for painting. Over time, he decided to fully commit to art. 

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Self‑taught, Béret painted what he knew best: the lush jungles of his childhood. On canvas, central African forests come alive, majestic primates, chimpanzees or bonobos gaze out from thick vegetation, while parrots, vines and dense foliage set the stage for primordial life. The richness of his color palette, the harmony between flora and fauna, evoke a dreamlike world close to the innocence and wonder of childhood. His style has often been compared to that of Henri Rousseau, a comparison Béret assumes with pride.

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In 1997, Béret settled in Kinshasa, where he gradually made his mark in the local cultural scene. His career took a decisive turn in 2012, when he exhibited for the first time at the Institut Français de Kinshasa, a milestone that marked his recognition.

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For Béret, painting is not just a craft,  it’s a message. Through his work, he raises awareness of environmental issues, the fragility of nature and the urgency to preserve it. As he puts it: the jungle of his memories belongs to all humanity, and art becomes a means to reconnect us with our roots.