Congolese photographer Pamela Tulizo is presenting her exhibition "MABABU – Spirit of the Ancestors" at De Markten in Brussels until October 31st, 2026. This exhibition, organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in collaboration with partners including the ULB, provides a fresh look at the history of slavery and the role of African women in historical narratives.
Through staged photographs, historical references, symbolic clothing, and gestures, Pamela Tulizo brings to the forefront the voices, memories, and stories of women who resisted slavery. Her work challenges how history is represented and the space given to those long absent from these accounts.
"MABABU" serves as both a tribute to forgotten histories and an invitation to critically examine the past to envision new reference figures. The exhibition features photographs, specially designed dresses for the project, and a film documenting the artistic process in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The opening reception will take place on Thursday, October 8th, at 6 PM. The exhibition also includes a program for secondary schools, featuring guided tours that explore themes of memory, identity, racism, resilience, and human dignity.
Rather than portraying women solely as victims, the artist stages them as strong, proud, and active figures. The exhibition thus prompts reflection on representation, gender equality, memory, and the courage of those who stand against injustice.
This project is a collaboration under Cultural Diplomacy by VUB, developed with the support and partnership of several entities, including the ULB, BrIAS, VLIR, Enough Room for Space, DeMens.Nu, De Markten, the research group VISU VUB, the City of Brussels, Humanistisch Verbond, Enable, and Kuumba VZW. The exhibition is curated by Professor Katarzyna Ruchel Stockmans.
The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 6 PM at De Markten (Oude Graanmarkt 5, 1000 Brussels). Admission is free, by registration.
