Nel Cuore del Congo - mostra arte africana

In the Heart of the Congo: Art, Traditional Culture, and Spirituality on Display at the Santa Scolastica Archaeological Museum in Bari

An exhibition designed to take the visitor "In the Heart of the Congo," as the title suggests, to discover the art, traditional culture, and spirituality of Central Africa. Owned by the African Museum of Madrid and previously appreciated at the African Museum of Verona, this collection arrives in Bari at the Santa Scolastica Archaeological Museum, thanks to the sponsorship of the Metropolitan City of Bari, organized by the Comboni Missionaries with support from the intercultural association Abusuan.

The inauguration will be held on Saturday, November 9th, at 6:30 PM, and the exhibition will be open until December 31, 2024. The event will be attended by the Mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese, Dr. Roberta Giuliani, head of the Museum, José Antonio Bordallo Huidobro, former Spanish ambassador to Congo who collected and donated the works to the African Museum of Madrid, and Father Palmiro Mileto of the Comboni Missionaries.

IN THE HEART OF THE CONGO aims to raise awareness of the history and culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo through 60 sculptures and traditional art objects, masks, and a rich selection of fetishes, fabrics, and other representative items from various styles, originating from 27 Congolese villages and representing 12 cultural groups. The exhibition seeks to bring the public closer to understanding Congolese art, which plays a crucial role in religious, political, and social contexts. It also aims to explore the complexity and variety of African realities, bringing its traditions to light. Each tradition, in fact, encompasses a unique culture, language, religion, and mythology. The intent of this artistic exhibition is to invite exploration of themes such as the search for the spiritual world, religions, communication and prayer to spirits, magic, and the power of specific evocations, in addition to the connection with nature and the world of ancestors. Each section is curated to offer a unique experience, stimulating the senses and mind to reflect on how these themes intertwine in African culture.

Visitors are encouraged to actively participate, reflect on their personal beliefs, and consider how these relate to the universal themes of spirituality and connection with the universe. African art has influenced artists like Picasso, Man Ray, Calder, Basquiat, and Matisse, who found inspiration in its bold use of color, stylization of forms, and expressive power of its sculptures and masks.

The over 60 pieces on display in this exhibition have fascinating stories to tell that will stimulate visitors' curiosity and desire to learn more. As large as Western Europe, certainly complex to administer and control, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been independent from Belgium since 1960. As of April 1, 2024, the role of Prime Minister has been entrusted to a woman, Judith Suminwa. The hope is that this event, not very common in African history, represents a turning point even in the history of this country, burdened by internal struggles and a particularly violent colonization process that have contributed to the current situation, which is still too little talked about. And perhaps it is precisely from women, one of the most powerless and tormented categories in the difficult history of the African giant, that the answer to the entire country's desire for redemption can come, in the hope that the troubled peace-building process is truly at a decisive turning point.

Opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while Sunday and holidays are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The entrance fee is €5, reduced (18-25 years) €2.00, free: every first Sunday of the month. For school group reservations, you can contact no. 080.0990882.

Thanks to the African Museum of Madrid for lending the exhibition, and to Spanish Ambassador José Antonio Bordallo Huidobro, who donated this collection after years of diplomatic service in DR Congo.

INFORMATION:
info@abusuan.com
Tel. 080 2223328