Arlette Rhusimane Bashizi

RDC - Photography

The artist

A few words about your artistic career

I'm a documentary photographer and my work shows a positive image of my community, with a focus on social life. Women's and youth issues feature prominently in my photos, with the aim of breaking down the stereotype of victimisation and restoring hope.

How long have you been an artist?

I've been interested in photography since 2017, but I've been a photographer for two years now.

**Why did you apply for this scholarship? How will the scholarship support you?

I'm applying for this grant to share my work with as wide an audience as possible. The project I'm working on has two main objectives: to spread hope and to highlight the achievements of Congolese women, especially during this period of crisis.

What are your concrete artistic objectives after this residency?

– Brave du Kivu in praise of the bravery of the people of Kivu.
– Badilisha which will confront the image that the West has of Africa and what Africans really are.

His residence

What did you achieve during this creative residency? What is the result (work created)?

During my residency, I was able to produce a series of photo reports covering the daily lives of the people of GOMA. I did this by looking at how Congolese women are living through this crisis. How, at a time when the whole world is facing despair, the women in my community have been able to rise above it and make something of their lives. Thanks to the grant, I was able to produce a photo book containing all the stories I worked on.
The project involved a graphic designer, an assistant photographer and a writer/editor.

How do you think these activities help us to think about the world today, in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, and/or about building for the future?

This scholarship has pushed me to look beyond what we're used to seeing every day. In the midst of a pandemic crisis, magnificent projects are also born. The creation of this book will help the world to understand that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you can always manage to look on the bright side and give meaning to your life. It's all a question of point of view, of perspective. Beyond the present moment, there's also a projection into the future, a preparation for the future. That's why the subjects covered in my projects are beneficial in both the present and the future, because most of them are long-term projects. During this period of crisis, when everyone was confined, some people's brains went into overdrive and created activities that were beneficial both during the crisis and in the period following it. As for others, they took this time to learn and acquire a little more knowledge.

How did you feel during the residency? And afterwards?

I was really pleased at 90% with the result I achieved after the residency. It was a time of adventure, discovery, creation and work. The project I did had been close to my heart for some time, and even more so when we found ourselves confined by the Coronavirus. I saw how the people of Goma were fighting against the virus and the needs of life. Deep down, I thought that the whole world should know what was happening in my country. The aim was to praise the courage of these brave people and also to change the image that the outside world has of the Congo and Africa in general.
Apart from that, I learnt a lot from the story of each character I worked on, and my vision of the world is no longer the same after this residency. I hope that everyone who reads this book will also notice a change in their lives.

His work

[(