Title: “End of the race: The new collection of KASH caricatures reveals a critical and humorous look at current Congolese politics”
Introduction :
The National Museum of the DRC recently hosted the launch of the new collection of caricatures entitled “Fin de course”, by the famous Congolese cartoonist Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, better known as KASH. This collection, which is his fourth album as a press cartoonist, brings together his political drawings and offers a critical and humorous look at current Congolese politics. From the death of influential leader Étienne Tshisekedi to insecurity in the East via the reign of Joseph Kabila, KASH spares no political actor in its incisive satire.
Analysis of the collection:
Structured in seven chapters, the KASH collection offers a detailed overview of Congolese political history between 2012 and 2018. The drawings address burning themes such as the dehumanization of the Congolese and serve as a communicative instrument in the context of the Republic. Kash uses caricature as a political weapon to denounce the abuses and weaknesses of political actors and to express the anxieties and concerns he feels as an author.
Professor Hilaire Mbiye, during the denotative and connotative reading of the story, underlines the use of entertainment and laughter as a means of expressing the dissatisfaction of a suffering people. KASH uses his art to depict political reality in a satirical manner, providing a critical perspective while maintaining the essence of the information.
Artist’s journey:
Thembo Muhindo Kashauri, originally from Butembo, North Kivu, is a multidisciplinary artist. After obtaining his diploma in Graphic Arts, Advertising section, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa, he embarked on a career as a press cartoonist and caricaturist. Kash was the first to caricature the ruling class of the former Zaire with freedom of creation and expression, while retaining the essence of information. In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Kash was also active in the organization of the African Comic Strip Fair and reading for young people.
International recognition:
Over the past 30 years, Kash has received numerous awards for his talent and contribution to the art of caricature. His works have been exhibited in many countries, including DR Congo, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Niger, Vietnam, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Algeria , Cameroon and Guinea-Conakry. His influence and fame as a cartoonist make him an essential reference in the DRC and Africa.
Conclusion :
“End of race” is much more than a simple collection of caricatures. It represents the voice of a committed artist who uses his art to denounce the ills of society and express the concerns of the Congolese population.. KASH offers a critical and humorous look at current political events, providing a different and stimulating perspective for the reader. His talent and commitment have earned him deserved international recognition, making him one of the most respected artists on the Congolese and African scene.