Photos: Congolese refugee artist seeks niche in Greece

Artist secured asylum in Greece in 2017 and is also active as a talent scout

Last updated: August 04, 2020 | 15:24

AFP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

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Thessaloniki, Greece: Surrounded by cans of paint and canvas in his small studio in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, Richard Lusakumunu feels he has completed his "metamorphosis" from refugee to artist.

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"Art means integration, inclusion, breaking loneliness and living like everyone else," said Lusakumunu, who secured asylum in 2017 and is also active as a talent scout.

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Two years ago, the Congolese man created "Mazi" (Greek for "together"), an art collective bringing together 11 refugee and Greek artists living in Greece's second city.

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The collective is supported by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, non-profit NAOMI and the French Institute in Thessaloniki.

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It has already held two exhibitions at the institute and is planning a third on September 14, this time with around 30 artists.

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"The goal is to make them visible, to make ourselves visible, it is up to us to reach out to the world," said the 26-year-old, nicknamed "Admiral Lusaks" by members of the collective.

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"We do not speak the same language, it is painting that unites us," said Lusakumunu, who signs his paintings as Lusaks.

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A refugee girl draws during a painting workshop in an atelier at the refugee camp of Diavata near Thessaloniki.

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Congolese artist and refugee Richard Lusakumunu looks at paintings as he displays them on a table.

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Lusakumunu looks at paintings in an atelier.

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Lusakumunu teaches paintings techniques to refugee students during a workshop.

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Lusakumunu teaches paintings techniques to a refugee girl.

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