Mathew Lynn Yaka moto, Magic Pierre

This is Mathew Lynn’s 18th time as an Archibald finalist. His subject this year is Adelaide-based Congolese–Australian artist Pierre Mukeba.

Lynn is closely associated with the African community in Western Sydney, working with a local organisation as a musician and board member. His 2021 Archibald work was a painting of himself and Congolese community leader Muyambo Isaac Kisimba.

‘On a deeply personal level, Pierre is my favourite artist in this country. We’ve been friends for a while, and though he is less than half my age, I look up to him artistically,’ says Lynn. ‘In my recent work, I have developed a creative dialogue with his artistic process. I regard this painting as a major breakthrough, which would never have been possible without the intense and magical inspiration Pierre provides.’

The painting is also about music and social dancing, which both artists are passionate about. ‘In this context, yaka moto is a Lingala exhortation for “come on!” or “let’s go, people!” or “bring fire!”,’ says Lynn.

‘I wanted to convey a sense of what this feels like as a specific state of being. It’s also a loving and grateful expression to the Congolese people in my life, and to everyone who loves dancing.’