Article: African art invades space: a Congolese painting selected for the Chinese space station “Tiangong”
In the field of art, Africa continues to fascinate. This time, it’s a Congolese artist who is making waves internationally. Espoir Mukerwa Alvin, a visual art student at the Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts, was selected from more than 2,000 participants to represent Africa aboard the Chinese space station “Tiangong”.
This selection follows an African youth drawing/painting competition entitled “My dream”. Co-organized by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China Human Spaceflight Agency, and Chinese embassies and consulates in Africa, this competition aimed to highlight the artistic talents of African youth and to strengthen cultural ties between China and Africa.
The 10 selected artworks were sent to the Tiangong space station aboard the Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou. African artists were able to attend the live presentation of their works on social networks, thus creating a real artistic bridge between Africa and space.
During an online meeting between young Africans and Chinese astronauts aboard the space station, one could feel the excitement and pride of the participants. For Espoir Mukerwa Alvin, this experience represents a real opportunity to showcase his talent and show the whole world the richness of African art.
This selection also sparked interest and collaboration between Congolese universities and China. Professor Eustache Banza, academic general secretary of the faculty of science and technology at the University of Kinshasa, sees this experience as additional motivation for Congolese students in technological and creative sectors. Collaboration with China in the space field also seems to be an interesting prospect for the development of the DRC.
Indeed, the use of satellites and space technologies can play a key role in border control, climate change monitoring and knowledge of the country’s natural resources. Tambwe Don, secretary general at the ministry of scientific research in the DRC, sees this collaboration with China as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s space domain and acquire a satellite for national applications.
This selection of a Congolese artist to represent Africa aboard the Chinese space station “Tiangong” is a strong testimony to the creativity and talent of African youth. It is also an opportunity for Africa to position itself on the international scene as a major player in the field of art and culture.. Hope Mukerwa Alvin has paved the way, but it is certain that other African artists will continue to shine the beauty and diversity of African art throughout the world.