The Congo Panorama 1913. Colonial illusion exposed
The Congo Panorama 1913. Colonial illusion exposed, a critical examination of colonial propaganda and the realities it concealed, is the upcoming exhibition at the AfricaMuseum.
At its heart is the Congo Panorama, a monumental painting from 1913 that presented an idealised picture of Belgian colonial ‘civilisation’.
The exhibition deconstructs this instrument of propaganda using a scale reproduction of the painting. The idyllic portrayal of the colony on canvas hid the violence, exploitation and resistance taking place behind the scenes – fake news avant la lettre.
Together with artists, experts, and researchers, the exhibition juxtaposes colonial imagery with historical and contemporary voices, stories, and insights that long remained silent.
What does an image show or hide? Which voices are muzzled or heard? By inviting you to take a closer look, the exhibition opens a broader conversation about propaganda, colonisation, and the long shadow it casts.
Curators: Maarten Couttenier, Albertine Libert, Patrick Mudekereza
Co-curators: Leen Engelen, Victor Flores
Artists: Hilary Balu, Koenraad Ecker, Falonne Luamba Mambu, Kenny Mala Ngombe, Laurent Mbaah, Haldi Nzia Okudheyo, Joëlle Sambi Nzeba
Included in the general admission ticket
Adults: 15 euros
Group of adults (min. 15 participants) I Seniors ( 65 +): 11 euros
Persons on social benefits I Persons with disabilities I Attendant of a disabled person I Students (18-26) I Youth groups (18-26) I Teachers: 6 euros