The launch of the new collection of caricatures entitled “Fin de course” by the famous Congolese cartoonist Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, known as “KASH”, took place recently at the National Museum of the DRC. This album, the fourth of his career, brings together the artist’s political drawings, tackling themes such as the death of Étienne Tshisekedi, insecurity in the East and the reign of Joseph Kabila.
The book is structured into seven chapters and is introduced by a text by the author, thus facilitating the understanding of the title. Kash uses political cartooning as a means of exposing the abuses and weaknesses of political actors, while expressing the concerns and anxieties of the author. This collection is also intended to be a testimony to Congolese political history between 2012 and 2018, highlighting the significant events of this period.
Kash’s work also engages in the fight against the dehumanization of the Congolese people and serves as an intentional means of communication in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is both a historical account of facts and events, organized chronologically, and a form of entertainment and political satire.
Thembo Kash is considered the first cartoonist to caricature the ruling class of Zaire with freedom of creation, expression and a unique sense of information. With more than 30 years of career, he is a reference in the DRC and Africa, having won numerous awards for his work.
Born in Butembo in North Kivu, Kash studied at the Beaux-Arts in Kinshasa and worked as an advertising designer before devoting himself fully to comics and caricatures. He has exhibited his works in several countries, from DR Congo to France via Belgium, Luxembourg and Morocco, among others.
The launch of the collection was also an opportunity to award the prizes for the “Dessine moi la Paix” competition, highlighting the talent of young Congolese artists.
Thembo Kash, in his speech, highlighted the importance of creative freedom for an artist. According to him, if you are not free in your creation, you are not a true artist. His work embodies this freedom, while maintaining the relevance and power of information.
In conclusion, the collection of caricatures “End of race” by Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, alias KASH, is a committed artistic work which depicts political news in a satirical and critical manner. Through his drawings, Kash denounces the failings of Congolese political actors and expresses the concerns of the Congolese people. This collection bears witness to the recent political history of the DRC and underlines the importance of creative freedom for a committed artist.