1895-19??
Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Congolese Art
ANTOINETTE LUBAKI
Untitled // c.1929
EARLY LIFE AND BEGINNINGS
Antoinette Lubaki, born in 1895 in the Katanga province of what was then the Congo Free State, emerged as a pioneering figure in the Congolese art scene. Her early life was rooted in the traditions of her village, Kabinda, where her father served as the chief. This cultural heritage played a significant role in shaping her artistic perspective.
Despite the challenges of her time, Lubaki's journey into the art world began alongside her husband, Albert Lubaki, a fellow artist. Their collaboration marked the start of a new era in Congolese art, as they became part of a group of artists who laid the foundations for modern Congolese art by producing its first known works on paper.
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DISCOVERY & COLLABORATION
In 1926, Antoinette's artistic journey took a pivotal turn when she met Belgian administrator Georges Thiry through her husband. Thiry was captivated by Albert's wall paintings, which used natural pigments and rudimentary brushes. Recognising the ephemeral nature of these artworks, Thiry encouraged the Lubakis to reproduce their work on paper, providing them with the necessary materials.
This opportunity allowed Antoinette to develop her unique style, characterised by vibrant colours and imaginative compositions. Her works, often signed as "Antoinet," depicted scenes of everyday life, local legends, and the natural world, blending figurative and abstract elements.
Untitled // c.1929
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ARTISTIC STYLE AND THEMES
Antoinette Lubaki's art is celebrated for its expressive use of colour and form. Her paintings often featured a poetic interpretation of nature and wildlife, with colours applied in large, bold blocks. She was unconcerned with realism, allowing her imagination to dictate the hues of her subjects—a crocodile might appear in pink or black.
Lubaki's compositions were framed by irregular coloured borders, within which she balanced human figures, plants, and animals in harmonious arrangements. Her work offered a window into the cultural and natural richness of her environment, transcending traditional artistic conventions.
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EXHIBITIONS AND RECOGNITION
The Lubakis' work gained international recognition through the efforts of Thiry and his superior, Gaston-Denys Périer, a collector of Congolese art. Their first exhibition took place in 1929 at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts, featuring 63 watercolours that captured "the imagery of the bush."
The exhibition was a success, leading to further showings at the Ethnography Museum in Geneva in 1930 and the Charles-Auguste Girard Gallery in Paris in 1931. These exhibitions introduced European audiences to the innovative art of Antoinette and Albert Lubaki, highlighting the richness of Congolese culture and creativity.
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CHALLENGES & DISAPPEARANCE
Despite the success of their exhibitions, the Lubakis faced significant challenges. Rumours emerged that their works were crafted by a European, undermining their authenticity and the efforts of their patrons. Additionally, the relationship between Thiry and Périer deteriorated in 1935, leading to a lack of support and resources for the Lubakis.
As a result, they gradually disappeared from the Congolese art scene, and much of Antoinette Lubaki's work was lost. Her disappearance marked a tragic end to a promising artistic career, yet her contributions remain a testament to her talent and vision.
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ENDURING LEGACY
Antoinette Lubaki's impact on the art world extends beyond her lifetime. As one of the first Congolese artists to gain international recognition, she paved the way for future generations of African artists. Her work challenged traditional narratives and provided a unique perspective on Congolese culture and identity.
Despite the loss of much of her oeuvre, the surviving pieces continue to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world she created. Lubaki's legacy is a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and celebrate the richness of human creativity.