Artist Info
Makila Nsika-Nkaya
Makila Nsika was born and raised in Congo, then moved to France where she studied literature at Sorbonne University specialising in African narratives before becoming a French teacher in London. As she became increasingly interested in African art and craft, she studied part-time fine jewellery at City Lit then launched her brand M.Kala in autumn 2020.
Her African background and her love for literature inform her practice: she thinks carefully about the analogies between the components she is working with, their social and environmental context. She has a particular interest in non-precious materials or objects that carries a particular significance. In combining them with precious metal, such as silver or gold, she hopes to enhance their intrinsic value and write a new story. Her first collection was selected by the Goldsmith Centre for SHINE2021, whilst the Craft Council invited her to their "Craft Business" program.
Wanting to push further her exploration of material and design concept, she applied for the 2 years programme MA Design at Central Saint Martins, London. Her final work received the Maison/O award 2024 in June.
www.mkala.co.uk
@m.kala_jewellery