Uncovering the Resilience and Healing Power of Congolese Art
In a world where conflict, displacement, and systemic oppression have cast deep shadows, the Congolese art scene shines as a beacon of resilience and hope. From the bustling streets of Kinshasa to the remote corners of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a new generation of artists is using their craft to transform personal and collective trauma into powerful expressions of beauty, resistance, and transcendence.
At the forefront of this artistic renaissance is Géraldine Tobe, a Congolese painter whose unique technique of using smoke as a medium has captivated audiences worldwide. Tobe’s work is a testament to the healing power of art, as she channels her own experiences of childhood trauma and religious persecution into mesmerizing canvases that blur the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms.
“I needed to go beyond brushes and traditional painting,” Tobe explains. “Smoke is unpredictable, creating forms I can’t entirely control and representing this connection between the material and the immaterial.”
Tobe’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the complex sociopolitical and cultural landscape of the DRC. As a child, she was accused of witchcraft and subjected to violent exorcism, experiences that have profoundly shaped her artistic vision and her commitment to exploring the intersections of ancestral beliefs, colonial religion, and the collective trauma of Congolese women.
“These experiences became central to my journey as an artist and person because it pushed me to transform that pain into strength,” Tobe reflects. “My art became a means of resilience and healing.”
Redefining the Congolese Art Landscape
Tobe’s work has not only captivated international audiences but has also played a pivotal role in redefining the Congolese art scene. As she explains, “The Congolese art scene is booming. There’s a wealth of creativity, with young artists questioning traditional stories and contemporary realities.”
This sentiment is echoed by the growing global interest in African art, which has seen a surge in recent years. Audiences and institutions worldwide are recognizing the depth and diversity of artistic expression from the continent, challenging the long-held colonial narratives that have often reduced African art to a single, simplistic story.
“There’s growing awareness that African art has been under-represented and undervalued for decades,” Tobe observes. “This shift is significant because it allows marginalized voices to express their history and vision of the world.”
Smoke, Spirit, and the Transformative Power of Art
At the heart of Tobe’s work is the use of smoke as both a medium and a metaphor. The ethereal shapes formed by the smoke embody a fragile balance between destruction and creation, representing trauma and memory in their fleeting presence.
“Smoke allows me to express what words cannot, functioning as a form of therapy and openness,” Tobe explains. “When we create, we share the expression of our soul.”
This deeply personal and spiritual approach to art-making has garnered critical acclaim for Tobe, with her work being featured in prestigious exhibitions such as the Dakar Biennial and solo shows in Brussels, Kinshasa, and Madagascar. In September 2024, her first solo exhibition in France, “Dans la fumée” (“In the smoke”), was held at the AFIKARIS Gallery in Paris, further solidifying her reputation as a pioneering artist.
Michaëla Hadji-Minaglou, gallery manager and lead curator at AFIKARIS, praises Tobe’s unwavering commitment to her unique artistic vision. “She didn’t listen to those who told her to stick to painting. This is why her art is unique: the result of her perseverance and abnegation.”
Tobe’s work not only explores personal and collective trauma but also delves into the rich tapestry of Congolese culture and spirituality. Her canvases are adorned with symbols like scarification marks, which in ancestral society carried teachings and represented the divine. By interweaving these cultural elements with her own lived experiences, Tobe creates a powerful dialogue between the past and the present, challenging the dominant narratives and inviting the viewer to engage with the complexity of Congolese identity.
Trauma, Resilience, and the Transformative Journey of Congolese Artists
Tobe’s story is not an isolated one, but rather a reflection of the broader narrative unfolding within the Congolese art scene. Across the country, artists are using their craft as a means of processing and transforming the traumas they have faced, from the scars of colonialism to the ongoing impacts of conflict and displacement.
In the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, for example, art has become a lifeline for refugees like Riziki Musali and Sheria Bisimwa, who use their creative expressions to foster peace, connection, and a sense of hope amidst the challenges of displacement.
Similarly, in northern Uganda, a mask-making project led by Myriam Denov and Watye Ki Gen (WE HAVE HOPE) has provided a safe space for children born into captivity in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to process their traumatic experiences and begin the journey of healing and reclaiming their identities.
These powerful stories underscore the profound impact that art can have in addressing the legacy of trauma and violence, not just for individuals but for entire communities. By engaging in creative expression, these artists and survivors are not only finding a voice but also reclaiming their agency and envisioning a future of healing and renewal.
Art as a Pathway to Healing and Transformation
The transformative power of art in the face of trauma and adversity is not unique to the Congolese context. Across the African continent, artists have long been using their craft as a means of processing collective and personal wounds, from the murals that breathe life into Cape Town’s history to the expressive dance and art therapy sessions addressing gender-based violence in Calabar, Nigeria.
In South Africa, the District Six Mural Project in Cape Town serves as a powerful example of how art can facilitate collective healing. The project engaged former residents of District Six, a community forcibly removed during apartheid, to create murals depicting their shared history and memories. This process allowed individuals to externalize their trauma, fostering collective bonds and strengthening their sense of community as they envisioned a hopeful future together.
Similarly, in Calabar, the Arts Against Gender-based Violence initiative leveraged various artistic modalities, including expressive dance and art therapy, to provide GBV survivors with a non-verbal outlet for expression and a pathway to build resilience. The project’s emphasis on self-care for those working with GBV survivors also underscored the importance of emotional well-being in the healing process.
These examples illustrate the profound ways in which art can serve as a conduit for transformation, allowing individuals and communities to confront, process, and transcend the deepest wounds. By providing a non-verbal means of expression, art empowers survivors to reclaim their identities, rebuild their lives, and foster a collective sense of hope and resilience.
Unlocking the Transformative Potential of Congolese Art
As the global community continues to grapple with the legacy of colonialism, conflict, and systemic oppression, the stories and artistic expressions of Congolese artists like Géraldine Tobe offer a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of creativity and the human spirit.
Through their work, these artists are not only processing their own traumas but also challenging dominant narratives, reclaiming their cultural heritage, and inspiring a new generation to find strength, beauty, and hope in the face of adversity. By sharing their stories and their art, they are forging connections, fostering understanding, and paving the way for a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
At Café Mila, we are honored to showcase the work of Congolese artists and to amplify their voices, recognizing the profound impact that their creative expressions can have on individuals and communities alike. We invite you to explore the rich tapestry of Congolese art, to be inspired by its resilience and healing power, and to join us in celebrating the transformative potential of creativity in the face of even the darkest of circumstances.
