For this collective exhibition open until June 6, Armel Luyzo Mboumba presented around ten photographs providing a deep and personal perspective on the equatorial forest. Through her lens, the Congolese photographer captured not only the natural beauty of these vast expanses of greenery, but also the living soul that inhabits them. His work transcends simple images to tell a complex story of coexistence between humanity and nature.
“ The photographs I created for this exhibition, as part of the “Equatorial Forests, Inhabited Forests” residency, are truly evocative. My work immerses itself in the spiritual dimension of the forest, highlighting the guardians or geniuses who inhabit it. My objective was to transpose with a thermal technique two distinct worlds: on one side, the majesty of the forest, and on the other, the presence of the spirits who populate it. In this company, the female figure presents itself as the subtle link between these two universes », explained the artist.
For one of the managers, as the only photographer at this residence, the participation of Armel Luyzo Mboumba in this project brought an essential cultural and artistic dimension. “ The equatorial forest, a true green lung of the planet, is at the heart of global environmental concerns. But for Armel, it represents much more than a simple Source of oxygen. It is a meeting place between the visible and the invisible, where the spirits of ancestors mingle with the thousand-year-old foliage. His authentic look and keen sense of composition transform images into true visual testimonies of the intimate relationship between man and the forest. Her work highlights the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems while celebrating their timeless beauty “, he added.
A great artistic experience for Armel Mboumba
There were a total of eight participants in the artistic residency project “Equatorial forests, inhabited forests” including three from Cameroon, four from Gabon and Armel Luyzo from Congo. Photographer, painter, sculptor, poet, performer, scenographer and videographer, they worked together to raise awareness about the preservation and promotion of harmonious cohabitation between the equatorial forest and the human communities that depend on it. This project is all the more crucial given that the equatorial forest, one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet, is today facing major challenges due to increasing urbanization and human exploitation.
The main objective of this project, as highlighted by the French Institute of Gabon, is to develop sustainable strategies for the preservation and responsible management of equatorial forests, while supporting the well-being of the local population. “ We aim to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the socio-economic needs of local communities. Our approach is based on an in-depth understanding of the interactions between forest ecosystems and the human population. A participatory and inclusive approach, involving local parties in decision-making and the implementation of conservation initiatives », Underlined the French Institute of Gabon.
“ Diving into the forest to capture its secrets was a transcendent experience. Each shot was a communion with nature, a dance between the light filtering through the foliage and the murmurs of the trees. Every moment spent in this green setting was a revelation, a silent dialogue with the guardians of these sacred places. From shooting to post-production, each step was an exploration of the connection between women and nature, between the visible and the invisible. The final result is the fruit of this symbiosis, an invitation to contemplate the feminine ether of the sacred forests “, declared Armel Luyzo Mboumba.
