Title: The urban art of Rodrigo Gukwikila: when the walls of Kinshasa become exhibition galleries
Introduction:
The streets of Kinshasa reflect the cultural and artistic diversity of the city. Beyond music and football, art in all its forms also finds its place. Rodrigo Gukwikila, a passionate painter, found a creative alternative to exhibit his works in an environment where traditional art galleries are lacking. By bringing art back to the streets of the commune of Kintambo, it creates an artistic dialogue with the local population and provokes reflection on current issues.
A challenging traveling exhibition:
On October 28, Rodrigo Gukwikila surprised passers-by by exhibiting his works in an unexpected place: the “Bilanga mobile” structure in Kintambo. This exhibition questioned the meaning of “Demon Day”, offering the public a deep reflection on concepts such as New Year, Christmas, Easter and Halloween. Nearly 10 drawings made of paper and loincloth were hung on the walls, attracting the attention of passengers and creating a lively discussion in this public space.
An art that challenges the conscience:
For Rodrigo Gukwikila, his art is much more than a simple aesthetic expression. He considers his works as a questioning of conscience and an observant memory which can contribute to meeting the challenges of Congolese society. Its aim is to provoke thought and foster critical dialogue on the negative aspects of society, transforming them into a source of inspiration for future positivity. According to him, imagination and consciousness are the catalysts that bring together imagination and reality, thus enabling the construction of a better society.
Traveling exhibitions to reach a wide audience:
This exhibition is not the first initiative of Rodrigo Gukwikila. He regularly organizes traveling exhibitions throughout the city of Kinshasa. His previous projects include the “Tambusa mur” (circulating the wall), which aimed to bring art to working-class neighborhoods, as well as the “Mbuma ya Kimpwanza” exhibition, which invited the public to reflect on the fruit of the independence of the DRC and on the sacrifice of the emblematic figures of this country.
Conclusion:
Rodrigo Gukwikila, a committed artist, uses urban art as a means of expression and reflection, thus bringing art where it is least expected. Its traveling exhibitions captivate the Kinshasa public and invite everyone to question the society in which we live. By bringing art back into daily life, it helps create a creative dialogue and spark collective reflection on social and cultural issues. ऀ