Léonard Pongo

Primordial Earth

Léonard Pongo Primordial Earth
Léonard Pongo Primordial Earth
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.
Léonard Pongo Primordial Earth
Léonard Pongo

Léonard Pongo (b. 1988, Liège, Belgium) is a photographer and visual artist. He divides his time between long-term projects in Congo DR, teaching, and assignment work. Pongo is also a member of The Photographic Collective’s advisory board. His work is a part of institutional and private collections.

Website: www.lpongo.com
Location: Station

Artist Talk —
Léonard Pongo in conversation with Mohamed Somji Video: Lotte van Boesschoten
Léonard Pongo Primordial Earth