Collection: Numero

"Numero," 2018 is a series of oil paintings that explores the complexities of the black female body and the colonial gaze. Through the use of positive and negative portraits, Ilunga challenges the binary nature of good and evil, and the historical lens of the colonial gaze. The series is centered around portraits of Ilunga as the spiritual being Ndayene, who is traditionally depicted with a furry coat and dreadlocks. The contemporary fashion style photographs are manipulated to represent the ever-changing canon of representation of the black female body.

The title of the series, "Numero," meaning "number" in French, emphasizes the lack of individuality and autonomy given to black women. This is a recurring theme in the series, as the statistics show that black women are disproportionately discriminated against. Through her art, Ilunga aims to highlight these issues and spark a dialogue about the complexities of identity and representation in our society. "Numero" is a testament to the resilience of black women and the power of art to challenge societal norms and preconceptions.