Fatshimetrie, October 21, 2024 – The art exhibition entitled “Alkebulan’s Cultural and Spiritual Heritage” led by the talented Congolese visual artist Abdel Manyala opened this month in Lusaka, Zambia. The artist, through this exhibition, highlights the ancestral heritage of Africa’s ancient generations, inviting the public to rethink their perception of history and contemporary African culture.
Alkebulan, the original term for Africa before colonization, refers to a time when ancient customs and knowledge were at the heart of the lives of the continent’s peoples. Abdel Manyala strives to reveal the richness of this heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional and spiritual knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Through his paintings, the artist explores ancient mining techniques, the deep cultural and religious ties that shape African identity.
In an effort to reconnect with roots and embrace his history, Abdel Manyala emphasizes the need to understand the past in order to build a fairer and more fulfilling future for all Africans. He calls for a return to the roots, to a valorization of ancestral heritage to nourish the social, cultural and economic development of the continent. Through his exhibition, the artist seeks to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving local knowledge in the face of globalization that tends to standardize cultures.
The book “The Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Alkebulan” offers a dive into the heart of religious and cultural practices in Africa, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the Luba and Shaba kingdoms in Central Africa. Abraham Manyala, originally from this region, revisits this ancient knowledge with finesse and mystery, making it accessible to a wide audience. Through the dialogue of colors on the canvas, the artist breathes new life into African rites and traditions, inviting everyone to question their own identity and reconnect with their origins.
This first representation of “Alkebulan’s cultural and spiritual heritage” at the Totalenergies gallery of the Alliance Française in Lusaka is the starting point of a long-term project that includes other exhibitions of the artist in Africa. Passionate about visual art since childhood, Abdel Manyala has been able to impose his unique and introspective style, exploring the themes of social change and human interactions through creations imbued with symbolism and emotion.
In short, Abdel Manyala’s exhibition presents itself as a poetic and spiritual journey to discover the forgotten treasures of Africa, reminding everyone of the importance of perpetuating the knowledge and traditions of our ancestors to build a future filled with pride and wisdom.. Through his committed and evocative art, the Congolese artist invites us to celebrate the diversity and richness of African culture, an inexhaustible source of inspiration and creativity for future generations.