How the Congolese Plantation Workers Art League make art to generate global awareness.
The Congolese Plantation workers Art League, also known as C’ercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise (CATPC).
This organisation based in Lusanga 650 km southeast of Kinshasa in Kwilu province, is one to keep an eye on.
The artists’ collective established in 2014 with the aim to repair a colonial legacy.
Unilever's first ever plantation of the D.R. Congo, caused a lot of damage in the region. Unilever was one of the largest employers in the Lusanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 20th century. The company operated large palm oil plantations and processing facilities in the area. Unilever's presence in Lusanga had a significant impact on the local economy and society.
Their work explores the depredations of palm oil in the region in the early 20th century.
With the proceeds from their art work, the collective buys back land—and they farm it, to replenish soil devastated by Unilever’s monocultural farming techniques.
The CATPC calls the project a “post-plantation.”
“Land or art. If I would have to choose, I would choose both. But if I really have to choose only one, I would choose the land. Where can I put my chair and start making art, if I do not own the land?” –
Matthieu Kilapi Kasiama, CATPC.
CATPC is a valuable organization that is making a significant contribution to the development of Congolese art and culture. The group's efforts to showcase the work of Congolese artists and to promote Congolese culture are essential to the preservation of Congolese heritage.
Participating artists include: Lizette Kimpala, Bismar Djonga, Emery Muhamba, Thomas Leba, Kibuila Manenga, Jérémie Mabiala, Ced’art Tamasala, Matthieu Kasiama, Irène Kanga, Jean Kawata, Daniel Muvunzi, Blaise Mandefu, Mao Kingunza, Huguette Kilembi, Olele Mabamba, Richard Leta, Muyaka Kapasa, Jérémie Katalasi, Tantine Mukundu, Mira Meya, Mbudikienda Armand and Aimee Ngonzo.
Click here to find out more about CATPC.
Images C’ercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise