ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Congolese sculptor Freddy Tsimba’s art work, which is emblematic of Kinshasa’s effervescent artistic creativity despite its harsh daily life conditions. Through his art, Tsimba tries to transcend the human pain and the violence surrounding him. His art is thought provoking. He juxtaposes the dichotomies of sufferings/blessings, death/life and despair/hope. His works are anchored in traditional Congolese healing practices and give hope. Ultimately, they are a hymn to life but to life, which has a shadow in death. After analyzing his early threadlike sculptures inspired by lianas, the following works by Tsimba will be examined: figures of women created using ammunition cartridges; houses made from machetes; and his master opus Detention Center – Open Dream made from spoons. Though anchored in his local realities these works are made from recycled material produced by the global economy and possess universal relevance and appeal.
