Mama et Papa

"Mama et Papa" tells the story of her parents' journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa in 1994 in search of a better life for their family. However, their status as refugees left them alienated in their new home, a theme that pervades the series. The figures are depicted with hollowed-out eyes, emphasizing the lack of individual autonomy experienced by foreign nationals.

Using charcoal on brown paper, Ilunga creates an otherworldly portrait of the couple that challenges our perception of the immigrant experience. The woman's natural gesture of clinging to the man's arm is juxtaposed with the figures' "alien" appearance, highlighting the inhuman treatment of immigrants. The intricate details of the drawing invite the viewer to empathize with the subjects' struggle and recognize the shared human experience that transcends borders.