75 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. A lot of my work focuses on intimacy, identity, and everyday life - being trans, Congolese, and everything that makes up who I am. Whilst they are different series, together they make up my life.

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

I studied illustration, though I originally was interested in stop motion animation. As a child I’d been inspired by cartoons and animation and that admiration for the craft behind it has stayed with me. I see making art as storytelling.

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

Though I make work for myself first - telling my own story - I’d love viewers to see a glimpse into my world. Even if they don’t necessarily connect, taking the time to see and understand is what I’d hope for.

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, putting your artwork out into the world for all to see.

Who are your artistic influences?

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, putting your artwork out into the world for all to see.

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

I sometimes find it hard to express myself fully through clothing. Often my artwork does that better for me.

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

I find naming work quite difficult. I’d probably leave everything untitled if I could. But titles help me keep track. I often use text in my work drawing on my early interest in illustration and comics with some of my paintings resembling comic panels with their black borders.

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

Yes - it can create a bit of distance, but the work is still rooted in reality and holds truth behind it. The characters can be flawed and often based on myself and my experiences.

Where do your ideas come from?

Everyday life inspires me. For example, one series was inspired by a woman I saw in Dalston - dressed head-to-toe in a baby blue church outfit, the little bag, the wide hat, she looked like she’d come straight from a church service but then walked straight into a betting shop. That moment made me wonder about her story, and it sparked a whole body of work titled ‘Where There Is No Sun'.

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, if we take a different route to work or look up and around when on the train. It’s about shifting your perspective or routine when it gets too repetitive - realising that daily life can be full of interesting moments.

Finally, how would you describe your practice overall?

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

Visit Seventy Five at Liberty on the Third Floor to view or purchase Joy Yamusangie's work.