Within the vast and vibrant landscape of contemporary African art, Romario Lukau, known by the pseudonym "Rolook", stands out as a powerful voice and a visual witness to the complex realities of Africa today.…
Within the vast and vibrant landscape of contemporary African art, Romario Lukau, known by the pseudonym "Rolook", stands out as a powerful voice and a visual witness to the complex realities of Africa today. Born in Kinshasa in 1994, Rolook has distinguished himself in the art world through a unique approach and a deep commitment to the social and political issues shaping the face of Africa.
Having graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in 2012 and the Academy of Fine Arts in 2015, Rolook was quick to use his art as a means of communication, a bridge between cultures and a tool for social critique. His series “Between Dream and Reality” is a perfect example of this socially engaged artistic approach. Through this work, he stages himself in Kinshasa, on the banks of the Congo River, embodying both the role of narrator and subject, to challenge his contemporaries on their aspirations and the harsh realities of emigration.
The context of this series is both tragic and deeply human, reflecting the perilous journey of African migrants. These men and women, driven by despair and the hope of a better life, undertake dangerous journeys on foot and by canoe, fleeing poverty, conflict and political instability in their countries of origin. Rolook, with acute sensitivity and a critical eye, captures the essence of this quest for dignity and security, highlighting the vulnerability and courage of these travellers in the shadows.
By standing with his back to the camera, the young migrant in "Between Dream and Reality" becomes a universal symbol of exodus, leaving his homeland behind with few personal belongings, barefoot and bare-chested, illustrating the precariousness of his journey and the potentially fatal trials that await him. This powerful image invites the viewer to reflect deeply on dreams of a better life elsewhere and the often cruel reality of emigration. Beyond his artistic work, Rolook is also a key figure in promoting Congolese art and culture.
By co-founding the Tokey collective "Avançons" (Let’s Move Forward) in Lingala, he is committed to supporting and promoting the work of contemporary Congolese artists, thereby helping to enrich and diversify the global art scene. Romario Lukau’s work is a poignant reminder of the power of art as a mirror of society and a catalyst for change. 