Casimir Zinga

Born in 1970 in Cabinda (Angola) and of Gabonese nationality, Casimir Zinga is a self-taught sculptor whose talent is deeply rooted in a family tradition. Introduced to the art of sculpture by his father, a craftsman, Casimir began carving wood at the age of 15, a passion that has since become his life’s work and sole source of income in Gabon. 

For him, sculpting is far more than a profession; it is a dialogue with the material, a way to express the beauty of creation and the universal values of respect and working together. His inspiration flows from nature, family, and African cultural heritage, which he translates into powerful, balanced works full of spirit and emotion.

He works with a variety of noble woods, including ebony varieties, padauk, wenge, and other locally sourced woods, all sculpted entirely by hand. Using a chainsaw, wood chisels, and a grinder, he brings each piece to life with expressive energy, where raw material becomes emotion.

Among his most notable works are:

• La Femme Africaine, awarded first prize in the BICIG Amateur Art Competition in 2000.

• La Forêt, winner of the Grand Prize at the Libreville International Wood Sculpture Symposium in 2015. 

Casimir has exhibited multiple times in Libreville, including at the Hôtel Okoumé Palace Intercontinental, the French Cultural Centre, Galerie Olima, and Galerie Viva Déco.

Although he lives solely from his art, the reality of being an artist in Gabon remains challenging, opportunities are limited, and income is modest despite the dedication required. Yet, Casimir continues to pursue his craft with passion and resilience. His ambition is to share his art with the world, build meaningful collaborations, and allow each sculpture to carry the story of Gabon far beyond its borders.