Fatshimetrie, August 19, 2024 — On this day of celebrating International Photography Day, the whole world is looking at the power of images and the emotions they arouse. This year marks an exceptional event, the 100 years of photography, an opportunity to remember the moments captured by the lens through the decades.
The Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts was the scene of a captivating conference-exhibition, immersing visitors in the world of photography and visual art. Under the evocative theme of “Matrix”, emerging photography talents in the Democratic Republic of Congo were highlighted. It is fascinating to note the evolution of this profession, once reserved for initiates, which has now become accessible to all, thus conveying the artistic wealth of the region.
This annual celebration aims to inspire photographers around the world to share their vision through a single image, a moment frozen in time, to show their world to the rest of the planet. The heritage of photography goes back a long way, with the invention of the daguerreotype in 1837 by Louis Daguerre and Joseph-Nicéphore Niepce. Since then, technological advances have allowed photography to undergo a spectacular evolution, from the first color photograph in 1861 to the world’s first selfie in 1839, marking key milestones in its history.
In 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to celebrate 100 years of Congolese photography, a major cultural event that will highlight the talent of local photographers and their contribution to the history of the country. Preparations are already underway, with work from several Congolese artists such as Landry Ndungi, whose work titled “Lipipi” explores the theme of scars and social stereotypes.
Through these celebrations, photography continues to play an essential role in preserving collective memory, capturing the very essence of humanity and its environment. By immortalizing fleeting moments and revealing the hidden beauty of the world around us, photography remains a powerful and timeless form of expression, inviting us to contemplate and reflect on our existence. So, may each image captured be a testimony to our past and a promise for the future.