ART
FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
A NATION RECLAIMS ITS IDENTITY
Exhibition and a travelling show curated and organised by the DRC Embassy at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
By Martin Chemhere (mchemhere@yahoo.com)
First the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was widely known by the international community as the cradle and heart of rhumba music, the fast paced beat that has influenced a myriad of forms of music in Africa, Europe and other parts of the world. Secondly, this enlightening image has been largely blighted by a "civil strife" in recent years that either frustrated or disenfranchised scores of young and established artists. But the current contemporary exhibition that showed in Harare offers the world a refreshing creative retinue never before imagined by outsiders.
More than 20 artists featured in "Contemporary Work from the Democratic Republic of Congo" (Harare: June 24 – 30, 2004),whose major themes touched on social messages and nation-building imagery.
Dominated by paintings, with a few copper creations, replicas of wooden masks, and small objects of adornment, the show was eclectic, yet sobering when one realizes the recent backgrounds of its creators.
As one took a stroll around the show it appeared that the curators of the show have deliberately side-footed imagery connected with the darkest era of that nation. There are no signs of innuendo imagery, instead a great feeling of
"peace and stability" messages among others.
Curated to celebrate the country’s independence, rendering others to interpretit as "a public relations" exercise, the work appeared outstanding in its execution, imagery and colour variation.
Some of the country’s biggest visual arts names in the DRC dedicated their time and skill to the milestone. Among a host of others, artists such as Kuku, Mabiyala, Kapesa, Nsimba, Nopesi, Ndundi, Jukojo, wa Kazadi, Miji, Mpasi, Kasandi and Kabuya are gifted in their individual capacities. Through the exhibition, they portray themselves as masters of the brush stroke and connoisseurs of colour.
Most of the works showed amazing detail rendering it easy to communicate with the viewer without much explanation. Here was a group of highly creative artists launching themselves on the international scene with uncompromising vitality and virulent creative energy. If this art has already gained international acclaim elsewhere, the Zimbabwean showcase must further propel it among the world’s best African contemporary art.
After leaving the exhibition spaces, one felt a great association with a cultural heritage expressed in clear imagery, yet profound in meaning. The show should be welcomed as a valid attempt at exposing the content and context of DRC art.
photo credit Andrew Chirenje first picture by Monyema, second picture by Kasandra, third picture by Tatan Nshue