Self Portrait with Sister Justina

"Self Portrait with Sister Justina," an emotive depiction of the artist with vibrant red skin adorned in a white dress emanating a golden glow. Ilunga, wears a gentle smile, captured in a kneeling posture with her right hand delicately supporting her chin. The composition takes on a profound significance as it not only encapsulates a self-portrait of the artist but also pays homage to her cherished relationship with Sister Justina, her German grandmother.

Intricately woven into the artistic narrative, Ilunga skillfully attempts to render the ethereal figure of an Angel to the left of the composition. This celestial being emerges through the interplay of abstract shapes – circles, triangles, and bold lines – rendered in a harmonious palette of gold, white, and red. The celestial figure serves as a symbolic representation, adding a layer of spiritual depth to the visual narrative.

The artwork serves as a poignant reflection of Ilunga's personal history. The title, "Self Portrait with Sister Justina," alludes to the intimate connection between the artist and her German grandmother. This relationship blossomed during Ilunga's formative years, initiated through her mother's involvement in refugee community engagement projects circa 2000s. Sister Justina, a key figure in Ilunga's life, became a pillar of support and inspiration.

The profound impact of Sister Justina is further revealed in the artist's trajectory. Sister Justina's influence extended to Ilunga's exploration of humanism research, leading her down diverse intellectual paths. This mentorship and the shared fascination with Celtic Mythology Texts became instrumental in Ilunga's academic journey, culminating in her being honored with the German Archdiocese exposure trip to Stuttgart in July 2017. "Self Portrait with Sister Justina" thus becomes a visual testament to the interconnectedness of personal history, mentorship, and the artist's evolving identity.