Ndaya la Serpent

"Ndaya as a Snake," a part of the ongoing series "Ndaya Likes to Shiftshapes," showcases Ilunga's exploration of the dynamic nature of human existence. The titles of the series capture the essence of our capacity to energetically adapt to social environments and embody diverse emotional energies. In this artwork, Ilunga portrays herself as various flora and fauna, symbolizing our profound connection to the environment and how we reflect its essence.

Metaphorically, "Ndaya as a Snake" embraces the unconventional. It delves into the peculiar, snake-like, and ambiguous qualities that reside within each of us and how we often shy away from confronting our negative realities. However, Ilunga chooses to confront these negative aspects head-on, reclaiming the idea of embracing one's darkness and transforming it. This artwork serves as a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and the potential for personal growth that arises from embracing all facets of our being, even the ones we perceive as negative.