About

Marie-Pierra Kakoma

© ​PORTRAIT OF LOUS AND THE YAKUZA BY CHARLOTTE ABRAMOW FOR SOTHEBY’S, WITH YOSHITOMO NARA’S SLEEPLESS NIGHT (SITTING).

Lous and the Yakuza, whose real name is Marie-Pierra Kakoma, was born in 1996 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Her parents fled the war when she was barely two years old. Her Rwandan mother was imprisoned because of her ethnicity. After her father fought to release her, her mother fled to Belgium with one of her sisters.

This period left an indelible mark on her, and Lous grew up trying to express her feelings. From an early age, she developed a love for music and visual arts, exploring various mediums to express her emotions and ideas.

Growing up in an environment where music and arts were central, she immersed herself in many different styles. Her father, a classical music enthusiast as well as a jazz and rumba fan, passed on his passion for music, encouraging her to develop her own artistic language.

In her teens, Lous moved to Belgium with the rest of her family and continued her studies. At the same time, she continued to develop her artistic talents, including writing and painting. Inspired by the diversity of Brussels, she explores the intersections between music, fashion and visual arts, constantly seeking to create a dialogue between these different forms of expression.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, including homelessness, Lous decided to pursue her artistic dreams. Her determination led her to persevere, catching the attention of major fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Becoming the face of these prestigious brands, Lous now serves as an inspiration to many young artists, proving that nothing is impossible when you believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them.

Lous was first noticed through her music. She released her first single ‘Dilemme’ in 2019, which was met with immediate success and propelled her onto the international music scene. Her unique style captivated audiences and opened the doors to Europe’s most prestigious festivals.

But music is only one facet of her many talents. Alongside her dazzling musical career, Lous also paints. Her works reflect her commitment to social justice and women’s rights. Through her vibrant, expressive canvases, she explores themes of identity, femininity and emotions.

After an exhibition in a famous gallery in Paris, and in New York where one of her paintings was displayed on a giant screen in Times Square, Lous also designed the Silversquare coworking space, in the center of Brussels.

Lous’ paintings were also exhibited at Art Basel Miami in December 2022.

Lous aims to push back the boundaries of creativity, constantly exploring new artistic territories and telling her personal journey through her art and her canvases.

Contact details

contact@lousitasgallery.com

Exhibitions

2023 – « A Life Less Ordinary », (Paris Contemporary Curated), Sotheby’s, Paris, France.

2021 – « Demain Fut Meilleur », Colors Studios, Paris, France. (solo exhibition)

Art Fairs

2022 – Art Basel Miami Beach – represented by Vogelsang Art Gallery – Miami, Florida.

2021 – Cube NFT Art Fair – Times Square, New-York.