Léonard Pongo

Léonard Pongo imagines the diverse natural landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo as a character with an invincible will and power of its own. Through Primordial Earth, he creates a visual allegory in which he portrays images of the Congolese landscape inspired by Congolese traditions, symbolism, craftsmanship, and mythologies.

The consequent images present the landscape of the country as an autonomous, living entity—an open book that tells the story of the planet and humanity, with Congo at its centre. The depicted space transforms into a metaphorical tale revolving around three central themes: of the genesis, apocalypse and eternal return.

The materials used range from traditional photographic prints to textile weaves and prints, inspired by traditional Congolese crafts. Pongo fuses these prints with contemporary techniques to convey a tactile experience of the space, through an immersive installation.