Title: Congolese artist Rodrigo Gukwikila vibrates the streets of Kinshasa with his traveling exhibitions
Introduction :
In the bustling city of Kinshasa, where music and football reign supreme, there is an artist who was able to find an original alternative to share his art with society. Rodrigo Gukwikila, talented painter, transposes his works from traditional galleries to the streets of the commune of Kintambo. Exhibiting his drawings on the walls of public buildings, he encourages passers-by to think and discuss subjects that affect their daily lives. In this article, we will explore Gukwikila’s recent exhibition on “Demon Day” and her engaged artistic approach.
A challenging exhibition on the “day of demons”:
On October 28, the residents of Kintambo were surprised by a surprising exhibition highlighting the day of October 28, commonly known as “demons day”. With around ten drawings made on paper and loincloth, the artist captivated the attention of passengers and sparked lively discussions in public spaces.
But what does this day of demons really mean for Rodrigo Gukwikila? He explains this by emphasizing that he is not referring to actual demonic entities, but rather to the way individuals behave. Through his works, the artist wishes to highlight the negative aspects of Congolese society and transform them into a positive force. It thus encourages deep reflection on concepts such as New Year, Christmas, Easter and Halloween, challenging the way we approach these events.
Art as a means of raising awareness:
Rodrigo Gukwikila is not content to exhibit his works for simple aesthetic pleasure, but also seeks to raise awareness and provoke critical reflection. His work is part of an artistic education approach within his community. He considers his works as tools that allow us to address the challenges of society and to question our way of thinking.
“We challenge conscience through our work. We must develop a memory that observes, analyzes and questions. We work to elevate our spirit in order to find our inner peace. Because it is thanks to imagination that society is built. Imagination requires a consciousness that catalyzes imagination and reality,” explains Rodrigo Gukwikila.
Committed traveling exhibitions:
This surprise exhibition on Demon Day is not Rodrigo Gukwikila’s first artistic initiative. He has already organized several traveling exhibitions, such as the concept “Tambwisa mur” (to circulate the wall) and the exhibition “Mbuma ya Kimpwanza”, which questioned the fruit of the independence of the DRC.
Through his traveling exhibitions, Rodrigo Gukwikila seeks to break down the traditional barriers of art and make it accessible to all. By setting up in public space, it invites residents to engage in discussions on important socio-cultural subjects, thus promoting exchange and collective awareness.
Conclusion :
Rodrigo Gukwikila, a committed painter from Kinshasa, has succeeded in making the streets of his town vibrate with his traveling exhibitions. By bringing art back into the environment and encouraging discussions around social and cultural topics, he transforms the walls of Kintambo into ephemeral galleries, thus creating a strong link between art and Congolese society. Through his creativity and commitment, Rodrigo Gukwikila shows that art can be a powerful means of raising awareness and social transformation.