(Born in 1964 in Congo. Lives and works in France.)

Gatien Mabounga learned his craft while in the pursuit of other knowledge. His father, a printer-binder, taught him to love leather while he was pursuing technical studies in boiler making. He then learned the methods of gliding and embossing leather, while pursuing bookbinding. Leather quickly became his medium of choice for his paintings, before he began working with paper. While Mabounga explores various techniques and mediums including wood, canvas, felt, and even hemp ropes. His focus always remains on the drawing.