Richard Ngombe
Danmarksplass, Bergen
Amid the struggles and strife. My spirit remained unbroken as art is my place of refuge and my way to fight for social justice, to bring hope and show love.
MessageIn the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid the struggles and strife, a young boy named Richard Ngombe was born in the year 2000. His life began with a challenge, losing his father at the tender age of 8. Yet, even in the face of adversity, Richard's spirit remained unbroken.
As a child, Richard discovered the power of imagination. With creativity as his guiding light, he turned the simplest of things into sources of joy. Food became his sculptor's clay, crafting toys that transcended the limitations of his circumstances. Sand and stones transformed under his hands into miniature homes, each grain a testament to his boundless imagination.
But it was his passion for art that truly set his soul ablaze. Every day, in every corner, he would draw, his pencil strokes weaving tales of resilience and hope on any canvas he could find. Life led him to the care of his Aunt, who became his beacon of support, guiding him toward education in a world where opportunities were scarce.
In 2015, the shadows of danger loomed large, forcing me and my family to flee our homeland, seeking refuge in Uganda. Despite the uncertainty, I found solace in my art. In 2016, I picked up a peace of paper and gouache color, my vibrant strokes telling the story of his journey, of struggle, and of survival. I created my first painting work in gouache witch is titled ¨ TUME TSHOKA¨ English means ¨We are tired¨ In this work there are refugees running war from Congo both adults and children. I was Unable to go back to school due to poverty, I turned my small room into a sanctuary of creativity, where every painting and drawing became a testament to my resilience.
Statement
My artistic process is ever-evolving, allowing me to explore new paths and embrace different techniques. This adaptability led me to use different materials and symbols in my work. I like both traditional drawing and painting. I use toilet paper, fresh paints and dry paints from canvass to create a rough surface. The sens of touching plays a huge rule in my work, where i invite the audience to see and touch my work to have a deep understanding way. The rough surface symbolises struggles, stresses and life hardship moments.
My art became a voice, echoing the tales of a young refugee and fight for social justice. My emotions splashed across canvases, speaking of loss, Justice, hope, and the unwavering human spirit. Each stroke was a defiance against the hardships I faced, a declaration that my dreams could not be contained by borders or circumstances.
Through my art, I don't paint or draw my own story but also the stories of countless others who, like me, dared to dream amidst adversity. my creations became symbols of hope, inspiring not only those around me, but the world beyond. In the colors i mixed and the lines i drew, there was a message - a message that no matter the challenges faced, the human spirit could soar, unshackled and free.
Richard Ngombe's art was not just a reflection of his life; it was a beacon of inspiration, lighting the path for others to follow. His journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination, stood as a testament to the transformative power of art and the boundless potential within every human soul.
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