Hadassa Ngamba: Between art and activism

Table of materials

Hadassa Ngamba, a Congolese visual artist born in 1993, uses a multidisciplinary body of work to investigate the country’s colonial past. His works, which are heavily influenced by his personal experiences, redefine the stereotypes associated with Congolese identity. They thereby call into question the colonial capitalist institutions. However, it exposes local mineral’s exploitation of natural resources and its effects on society and the environment. Their works, such as Nketu-Tungu and Cerveau examine social marginalization and spatial fragmentation.This article will focus on these key areas of artistic practice.

Photo de l'artiste visuelle Hadassa Ngamba

Artiste visuelle congolaise, Hadassa Ngamba

noir, Hadassa Ngamba, artiste visuelle congolaise

Hadassa Ngambe, artiste visuelle congolaise.

Article Summary:

Who is Hadassa Ngamba? Hadassa Ngamba uses exhibits, prestigious homes, and the fintro award to examine the decolonization of the Congo.

Perspectives on Congo, Ngamba By combining narratives and criticism, her multidisciplinary works expose the colonial exploitation of the Congo.

Hadassa Ngamba at Bandjoun Station: Hadassa Ngamba established the cultural coffee “Trajet Ngamba Edition” while being a resident of Bandjoun Station.

Collaboration between Mba Verlaine and Hadassa Ngamba: As a result of their artistic and cultural cooperation, Mba Verlaine and Hadassa Ngamba have created a distinctive coffee.

1 -Who is Hadassa Ngamba?

Before turning to visual arts, Hadassa Ngamba, a Congolese visual artist born in 1993, first studied criminology at the University of Lubumbashi. She then participated at the Lubumbashi Biennale in 2017 and 2019 and lived at the WIELS in Brussels in 2019. Following a post-graduation course at HISK in Gand, his works have been shown in organizations including the SMAK, IKOB, and the Belgian National Bank. His 2021 exhibition Alliances at CC Strombeek, which won the 2022 Fintro Award , demonstrates his dedication to deconstructing historical narratives and reimagining the Congo’s future.

2 - Hadassa Ngamba: Perspectives on Congo

Through her multidisciplinary works, she examines the colonial and postcolonial traumas in the Congo. Additionally, her paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances challenge colonial exploitation mechanisms, such as the extraction of natural resources. Indeed, by using minerals like malachite, she highlights the nation’s reliance on mining extraction and its social and environmental effects. The artist shows how she justified the exploitation of the land and its people by focusing on colonial cartography. Its works, with personal and historical references, dismantle the prevailing narratives and give voice to Congolese populations.

3 -Hadassa Ngamba at Bandjoun Station

Hadassa Ngamba stayed at Bandjoun Station, Barthélemy Toguo‘s art center, from November 29 to December 13. This residency allowed him to explore Cameroon and further develop his “Trajet Ngamba” project. “Trajet Ngamba Edition” is a unique coffee with 50 variations that she created to connect with her Congolese roots. This project, which was carried out in cooperation with local actors, including traditional Bamiléké cooks, demonstrates the desire to forge cultural ties. This experience at Bandjoun Station marked a turning point in the artist’s creative process.

4 - Collaboration Between Hadassa Ngamba and Verlaine Mba

Hadassa Ngamba invited Cameroonian artist Mba Verlaine to create the graphic universe as part of the “Trajet Ngamba Edition” project. This relationship has provided a genuine cultural exchange. Driven by his desire to connect his home country to new roads, Hadassa designed a coffee that incorporates local communities. Through this coffee, Ngamba has created a unique piece of art. Mba Verlaine made an artistic contribution by conceiving the project’s visual world. By sublimating Hassa Ngamba’s creation, the Cameroonian artist gave this coffee a unique visual depth. This encounter between two artists, each with their own universe, resulted in a hybrid work that reflects their successful partnership.

5 - Hadassa Ngamba: A Talent to Watch

Hadassa Ngamba is a talented artist with an impressive career. Its universe, rich history, politics, and poetry make it stand out on the global scene. Each piece of art reflects their unique and captivating perspective. This well-known promoter is destined for a bright and fulfilling career. There is much anticipation for his upcoming creations. They will not be lacking in surprise, emotion, and exploration.

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