SONG OF THE WALÉS


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The exhibition ”Song of the Walés” of the photographer Patrick Willocq is a real visual and sound immersion into the north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, into the universe of the Walés.

The Walé ritual is an original celebration of maternity practiced by Ekonda Pygmies of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After the birth of her first child, the young mother (”Walé”) returns to her parents in order to protect the newborn. She will be prohibited from engaging in any physical exercise or even from going alone for a walk. Following these rules, she acquires a status which is similar to the one of a patriarch. At the end of this seclusion period, the Walé has to perform a codified performance. She expresses her desires, her dreams and tells about her experience through singing and dancing, seeking above all to convince the other Walés of her superiority.

Patrick Willocq spent a part of his childhood and his teenage years in Africa and is fascinated by indigenous tribes. His exhibition ”Song of the Wales” offers to the public a real photographic canvas consisting of portraits, of wallpapers and of a documentary film, all punctuated by the songs of the Walés.

photographs by Patrick WILLOCQ

From 26/01/2019 to 12/05/2019
MUSÉE DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE DE CHARLEROI
Avenue Paul Pastur 11
6032 CHARLEROI
Belgium

Opening hours : Du mardi au dimanche, de 10h à 18h
Phone : +32 71 43 58 10
mpc.info@museephoto.be
www.museephoto.be