Born in the Belgian Congo, Kingelez initially worked as a restorer of African masks before turning his focus to the creation of elaborate architectural maquettes in the late 1970s. He gained international prominence in the late 1980s, notably following his inclusion in the 1989 exhibition Magiciens de la Terre at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

His signature practice involved the assembly of complex, colorful, and fantastical cityscapes using everyday materials such as cardboard, paper, tape, and plastic packaging. These structures, which he termed extrêmes-maquettes, often featured intricate geometric patterns and reflected his vision for a harmonious, modernized African urban future.

Kingelez's work has been featured in major global institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and documenta XI in Kassel. His legacy continues to be studied for its unique intersection of folk art, architectural design, and visionary urbanism.