The exhibition “Les oubliés de Lwiro” by Esther N’sapu, closed at Texaf Bilembo in Kinshasa, captivated the eyes and moved the hearts. With striking precision, the photographer was able to reveal the little-known history of the Natural Sciences Research Center of Lwiro, located in South Kivu in the DRC. Through her photographs, she invites us to delve into a past full of memories and emotions, where exuberant nature blends with colonial architecture.
The faces marked by time of former employees and the vestiges of a bygone era come to life under the lens of Esther N’sapu. Each photo tells a story, each gaze frozen in the moment invites us to a deep introspection. It is a true journey through time, an open window onto a forgotten past but yet so rich in lessons.
By giving a voice to these forgotten people, Esther N’sapu restores dignity to these men and women who have dedicated their lives to research and development in the region. Her work goes far beyond a simple photographic exhibition; it is an act of remembrance, a duty to transmit an often neglected heritage. By combining images with testimonies, she creates a dialogue between the past and the present, between the individual and the community.
In a world where history is sometimes lost in the meanders of oblivion, the exhibition “The Forgotten of Lwiro” reminds us of the importance of preserving collective memory. Esther N’sapu offers us a precious testimony on a little-known part of Congolese history, revealing the beauty and grandeur of these forgotten people who have left their mark on the Natural Sciences Research Center of Lwiro.
By listening to the artist’s podcast, we delve even deeper into her world, we discover the behind the scenes of the creation of this exhibition, we learn about the motivations and challenges she had to overcome to bring this unique project to life. It is a fascinating dive into the soul of a passionate, committed and deeply human artist.
In conclusion, the exhibition “Les oubliés de Lwiro” is much more than a simple series of images frozen in time, it is a vibrant tribute to the memory of these forgotten people who deserve to be rediscovered and celebrated. Esther N’sapu reminds us with talent and sensitivity that behind each forgotten face lies a story, a life, years of dedication and passion. Her work is an act of resistance against oblivion, an invitation to reflect on our relationship to the past, to memory, and to the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.