The Galerie Palanca in Kinshasa is currently hosting an exhibition that showcases the evolution of African art. Titled "Echos: Memories & Transmissions," the exhibition opened on October 11, 2026, and will run until February 11, 2027. It features a diverse range of artistic expressions, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and performance. The exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, restitution, urbanity, and African futurism.
The exhibition brings together artists from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa. The selection includes renowned artists such as Pili Pili Mulongoy, Mwenze Kibwanga, and Bela Sara, who are considered pioneers of Congolese painting. Their works are displayed alongside those of contemporary artists, including Chéri Chérin, Moke Père, and Amani Bodo.
According to Julie Theys Tshiongo, the curator of the exhibition and founder of the Galerie Palanca, the exhibition aims to highlight the connections between modern and contemporary African art. Theys Tshiongo believes that contemporary artistic creations are not detached from their history and that they carry the legacy of the past. The exhibition provides a platform for artists to engage in a dialogue that transcends generations and geographical boundaries.
One of the key aspects of the exhibition is the confrontation between different generations of artists. The inclusion of modern artists alongside contemporary ones allows visitors to see the continuities, ruptures, and influences that shape current artistic practices. The exhibition also highlights the diversity of artistic expressions, with contributions from photographers, sculptors, and performance artists.
The Galerie Palanca, founded by Julie Theys Tshiongo in 2000, has been instrumental in promoting Congolese art. Theys Tshiongo's commitment to showcasing African art is driven by her passion for the subject, which was sparked by her encounter with Congolese painting masters in 1995. Her goal is to make African art more accessible to local and international audiences.
The exhibition is part of a larger project to promote Congolese art and culture. According to Loïc Nicolas, an art consultant, Theys Tshiongo's initiative is exceptional, as it seeks to bring together artists from different generations and backgrounds. The exhibition also aims to facilitate the repatriation of artworks by Congolese masters that are currently held outside the country.
The "Echos: Memories & Transmissions" exhibition features dozens of artists and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of African art. The exhibition is a testament to the diversity and richness of African artistic expressions and provides a platform for artists to engage with local and international audiences.
Key points
- The exhibition "Echos: Memories & Transmissions" showcases the evolution of African art, bringing together pioneers of African painting and contemporary artists.
- The exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, restitution, urbanity, and African futurism, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions.
- The Galerie Palanca, founded by Julie Theys Tshiongo, aims to promote Congolese art and culture, making it more accessible to local and international audiences.
