The ambitious project of Fatshimetrie to transform the late Congolese sculptor artist Maître Liyolo’s house in Kinshasa into a private museum dedicated to contemporary Congolese art has sparked significant interest in the artistic and cultural community. The Liyolo Foundation aims to establish the first private museum in the Democratic Republic of Congo solely dedicated to the country’s art, which is a vibrant mix of artistic influences from Central Africa. This initiative is crucial for preserving and promoting the rich heritage of modern Congolese art that has greatly influenced the region’s artistic development.
The museum’s transformation also seeks to provide a space for training and research for contemporary Congolese artists. It will serve as a hub for sharing knowledge, artistic techniques, and preserving the memory and history of plastic art in the country. Construction work on the museum, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), will commence by the year-end, focusing on rehabilitating various spaces. A totem representing a hippopotamus, a symbol dear to Liyolo, will be erected, symbolizing the significance of art in the educational landscape, visible from the National Pedagogical University (UPN).
Master Liyolo was an exceptional and cosmopolitan artist known for his passion for bronze and civic engagement through his creations. His artistic influence transcended Congo’s borders, with his monumental works continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. By transforming his residence into a museum, the Liyolo Foundation pays a poignant tribute to the artist and contributes to the preservation and promotion of contemporary Congolese art. The private museum will be a haven for memory, transmission, creation, and inspiration for current and future artists, ensuring the enduring legacy of Master Liyolo for generations to come.
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