CRI听力:Akonga J. Theodore - A Struggling Artist in Beijing

Congolese artist Akonga Jonas Theodore came to China over a decade ago. He is now in Beijing studying for his PhD. But to achieve happiness here he had to overcome many obstacles, professionally and personally.

Jonathan Alpart reports.

"I grew up in a struggle so everything I do is in struggle. I make my living by playing music, performing, but sometimes I can say painting as well."

Congolese artist, Akonga, came to China 11 years ago. Currently completing his PhD in art, this wasn't the main reason that brought him to the country.

In fact, it was a childhood dream to come and experience the culture. 

"What has made me choose to come to China? It's not quite my paintings. But this is something I've been dreaming of since I was a kid."

Fascinated by Chinese culture from an early age, Akonga made the dream a reality, building a life in Beijing. But his time here hasn't been without it's troubles.

Like many artists, these troubles are the fuel that gives him inspiration.

During a particularly unenjoyable period, Akonga felt that he'd given up on life – but these dark thoughts inspired one of his favourite paintings.

Pointing to the artwork, he explains how he felt. 

"I felt like everything was at the end, and I felt like passing away. I realised, OK 'I'm still alive'. And I went to the studio, I didn't have anything to do so I took a piece of canvas and I started this."

His artwork is heavily inspired by stories of past loves.

Reminiscing, he tells us how he once dated a Chinese girl, the subject of one of his paintings, but the cultural differences were ultimately too vast for the relationship to work out. As the only child in her family, her responsibilities were too great for her to leave the country with Akonga.

"She said no, she'd better stay here in China and look after her parents. And this was the only point we were arguing all the time. Sometimes I feel lonely."

And it's the thought of his own family that's leaving Akonga's long-term China plans in doubt.

"The idea of my family is pulling me back to Congo. If I have a good job outside of Congo, I may call one or two of them to come live with me."

Family connections are obviously very important to Akonga.

With 11 years spent in Beijing, Akonga admits that his life up until now has been a struggle, yet these difficult experiences have given him inspiration for his artwork. But with his eyes set towards his family and the future, perhaps times will get easier.

For CRI, I'm Jonathan Alpart.