The following Project is my bachelor thesis 2021 and presents the photographic staging of cultural change in Africa using the example of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congo went through various stages in its history that have shaped and changed culture over the long term. For this reason the staging is divided into four areas: Bantu; Colonial era; Independence; Afro-peoples.
The first part of the production is about the so-called Bantu people of the Kingdom of Congo. The Bantu represent the pristine primeval culture of the Congolese, who are characterized by their traditional customs and habits as well as the style of clothing.
The second part is about the Belgian colonial times in the Congo. After the Portuguese started their slave trade in the Congo at the end of the 15th century, the Belgians came into play at the end of the 19th century.
The Belgian King Leopold II ensured that the country was brutally exploited in favor of the Belgians through the so-called Congo Abominations. This traumatizing encounter with the Belgians turned out to be a culture shock for the Congolese and changed their culture immensely.
The third part deals with the period of independence in the Congo during the 1960s. With the Congo gaining its long-awaited freedom, there was an upswing in culture. The Congolese longed for more freedom, education and music, and at the same time they added western elements to their own culture.
The last part of the production is about the so-called Afropean. The Afropeans are a young and new generation in both Congolese and African culture.
As a result of the migration from Africa to Europe in the 1990s, most Afro-people were born or raised in Europe. Their culture is shaped by Western-European influences as well as African influences.
