The Flavour of Congo

This series of paintings addresses environmental issues and the social reality of the Congo. One of the key motifs (among others) is the destructive impact of alcoholism, which in this country—as in many parts of the world—is one of the causes of social stagnation. Alcohol diverts attention away from the future, while the uncontrolled exploitation of nature continues.

During our expedition, we encountered these contrasts on a daily basis. We discussed the ambivalence of poaching—on the one hand, an illegal and destructive activity; on the other, a question of sheer survival in conditions of extreme poverty. Likewise, we observed contemporary forms of neocolonialism—such as the gold mines in Dimonika, where people work under conditions similar to those that prevailed under Belgian colonial rule. Today, it’s no longer about rubber, but about gold, copper, and other raw materials, and the exploitation continues under the guise of globalization and capitalism.