The Centre culturel Le Zoo (CZoo) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has unveiled a new façade that celebrates African women through a fresco created as part of an urban art festival. The fresco was realized in collaboration with the Kinshasa Urban Art Festival (KUAF), which had the theme "The Voice of the Silent", focused on combating violence against women. According to CZoo's general director, Paul Ngoie Le Perc, the fresco aims to highlight the resilience of Congolese women.
The fresco was inspired by the KUAF theme and features images of African women, symbolizing their strength and resistance. The director general explained that the committee's vision was not specifically focused on women, but the theme of the festival coincided with the idea of painting a mural with images of women. The fresco is part of CZoo's efforts to revitalize the cultural center and give it a new identity. The center aims to become a hub for creative and cultural activities.
The fresco features Maman Kimpa Vita, a figure of emancipation and resistance, as a symbol of women's empowerment. According to Paul Ngoie Le Perc, after experiencing violence, it is essential to rise above, draw strength, and move forward. The fresco is a way to promote art as a tool for social justice and citizenship. The director general emphasized the role of KUAF in realizing the fresco, which was created by artists and graffeurs.
The new façade is part of CZoo's efforts to revitalize the cultural center and make it a vibrant space for artistic and cultural activities. Paul Ngoie Le Perc stated that the façade announces a new chapter in the center's life and invites all actors, artists, and creators to use the space. The center aims to become an incubator for young creative Congolese, providing an accessible space for expression, learning, and professionalization.
The fresco also carries a message to break the silence on violence against women, transform pain into resistance and hope, and promote urban art as a tool for social justice. CZoo's general director emphasized that the fresco is not just a decorative element but a way to promote a cultural and artistic movement. The center aims to strengthen its attractiveness to artists, cultural actors, and the public.
The Kinshasa Urban Art Festival played a significant role in realizing the fresco, which was created in line with the festival's theme. Paul Ngoie Le Perc stated that the festival's role was to work on the façade, taking into account the theme and CZoo's vision to revitalize the center. The fresco is a result of collaboration between CZoo and KUAF.
The new façade is a significant step in CZoo's efforts to become a hub for creative and cultural activities in Kinshasa. The center's general director expressed his hope that the fresco will inspire a new generation of artists and cultural actors to use the space. The fresco is a celebration of African women and a symbol of their resilience and strength.
Key points
- The Centre culturel Le Zoo's new façade celebrates African women through a fresco created as part of an urban art festival.
- The fresco features Maman Kimpa Vita, a figure of emancipation and resistance, as a symbol of women's empowerment.
- The new façade is part of CZoo's efforts to revitalize the cultural center and make it a vibrant space for artistic and cultural activities.
