Student spotlight: Raphael Bahindwa

B.F.A Painting

Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, art was exposed to me from an early age through my culture. My father spoke to me in detail about my lineage. He showed me imagery of my ancestors who were warriors, who wore traditional masks, and who did a lot of arts and crafts.

I draw a lot of inspiration from Congolese arrows, masks and other artifacts emblematic of my country, but also from the turmoil that is happening there, namely the foreign exploitation of the DRC’s resources. I feel it’s important as an artist representing the Congo to give a voice to our struggles.

Raphael Bahindwa