History always repeats itself 0.3

This drawing captures the landscape of the far east region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as originally photographed by Irish photographer Richard Mosse. Mosse employed infrared lighting techniques, resulting in an ethereal depiction of pink valleys within the Congolese forest. These images, although visually stunning, have been criticized for creating a distorted portrayal of the war-torn reality in the Congo. The use of the pink filter seemingly perpetuates the notion that the country's ongoing conflict is overshadowed or disregarded.

In this artwork, Ilunga inserts herself into the composition as a fairy peering over a treasure chest. Within the chest lie symbolic objects, including the American dollar, a crucifix, a skull, and chains. This collection serves as a metaphorical representation of a Pandora's box that has plagued the Congo since the discovery of its abundant mineral wealth. Amidst the landscape, five traditional Congolese masks are depicted, each with its unique significance and cultural symbolism.

Additionally, in the top left corner of the composition, there is a circular portrait of Ota Benga, a Mbuti pygmy from the Congo who was tragically exploited and exhibited as part of a human zoo during the colonial era of Belgian Congo.

This artwork encompasses various layers of commentary, addressing the exploitation of the Congo's resources, the impact of colonialism, the ongoing conflicts, and the enduring resilience of the Congolese people. It invites viewers to reflect on the complex history and present realities of the region, encouraging a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Congolese society.