An exhibition celebrating the work of 12 emerging artists from Democratic Republic of Congo has opened in Herne Hill.
For Breaking the Mould: New Signatures from Democratic Republic of Congo, curator Christine Eyene has selected 15 artworks including painting, photography, mixed-media and installation pieces that reflect the new ideas emerging from the heart of Africa.
Arlette Bashizi’s photography series entitled Re-construction uses self-portrait to reclaim and reconstruct the image of black, African, and more particularly Congolese women against persisting stereotypes and misrepresentations.
Anastasie Langu explores a similar theme through her series Norm, while Nefercongo by multidisciplinary artist Chris Shongo elevates Congolese women to the status of Egyptian queen Nefertiti to whom he attributes the origin of an African women’s lineage.
In Foreigner, Godelive Kasangati takes on a more personal introspective approach to dwell on the ruptures in her family history.
Trauma, memory, identity, and place are both invested and re-enacted through performative gestures using the photographer’s body.
Family history is also the starting point of Perpetual Disconnect by Arsène Mpiana who revisits photographic archives, histories, and myth in an attempt to reconnect with his origins.
Other artists included in the exhibition are Beau Disundi, Ghislain Ditshekedi, Jamil Lusala, Catheris Mondombo, Stone Mutshikene, Ange Swana and Joycenath Tshamala.
The exhibition is running at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning until November 28.
Pictured: Chris-Shongo-Nefercongo-series 2019-Courtesy the artist
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