The eighth edition of the Lubumbashi Biennale opened with a highly relevant theme: toxicity in the context of mining and its devastating impacts on the Congolese population. This committed and artistic approach offered a unique platform to Jenny Munyongamayi, a slam artist from Lubumbashi, to express her powerful message through an immersive work entitled “Slam augmented”.
The installation “Slam augmented” is a formidable fusion of sensory elements – sounds, images and texts – that immerse visitors in an introspective and emotional experience. By combining audio headsets, video projections and poignant texts, Jenny Munyongamayi has succeeded in creating a captivating multi-sensory experience, inciting reflection and awareness.
This foray into the world of sound and visual installations marks a new stage in the artistic career of Jenny Munyongamayi, who, for the first time, is participating in the Lubumbashi Biennale as an artist. Her commitment goes beyond simple artistic creation, reflecting extensive and documented fieldwork on the effects of mining toxicity on local communities, particularly women and children.
Indeed, to fully understand the ravages of mining toxicity, Jenny Munyongamayi immersed herself in the neighborhoods surrounding Ruashi Mining, where the impacts of this activity are most visible. Her investigation led her to closely observe the devastating consequences on the health of residents, including alarming cases of diseases such as cancer in children, attributable to prolonged exposure to toxic substances emanating from mining activities.
Beyond the artistic aspect, the Lubumbashi Biennale is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach combining art and science. Stimulating meetings, workshops and exchanges take place as part of this event, bringing together local and international artists around crucial social and environmental themes.
Jenny Munyongamayi embodies this successful fusion between art and awareness of major societal issues. Her commitment to raising awareness of mining toxicity and its repercussions on the population is a testament to the power of art as a vector for change and awareness raising.
In conclusion, through “Slam augmented” and her documentary work on mining toxicity, Jenny Munyongamayi reminds us that art is a powerful tool to question the realities of the world and incite action. Her contribution to the Lubumbashi Biennale illustrates the ability of artists to elevate the debate on essential societal issues and to generate constructive dialogue with a view to positive and lasting change.