Dialogue with the Sources is a mixed-media research project inspired by Souleymane Bachir Diagne’s vision from African Arts as Philosophy and connected with Clémentine Faik-Nzuji's research on Congolese symbolism and traditions. It relies on "conversations" with the Congolese landscape as guiding principle to conduct visual research. The project uses visual arts to question the notion that culture arises from the land, manifesting in symbols expressed throughout the landscape. Through conversations, physical engagement, image/object creation and mixed-media installations, the project questions the limitations of human perception and the representation of the Congolese land and traditions.
The experimental image/object creation process encompasses physical practice and formal research. It relies on modified "Full Spectrum" cameras that produce ambiguous, erroneous imagery capturing invisible light. These images constitute the base material to be transformed and crafted into final objects that play with perception, and connect with traditional shapes, stories and ideas, allowing a space of dialogue between land, image, object and audience.
This research relies on collaboration with various stakeholders including researchers, experts, and guides, both in Belgium and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the project we’ll unpack and communicate the process to a wider audience during a symposium and workshops, exposing the current research status and facilitating a dialogue with experts and the public.
