Various panel styles
+242 06 586 83 46
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info@ecoledepeinture.cg
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105 rue Mayama, Rd-pd Moungali, Brazzaville
Our Story
The story of our school
The Poto-Poto Painting School (EPPP), founded in 1951, celebrated seventy years in 2021.
On the scale of human life, it's an age of reason, and therefore an excellent opportunity for us to salute its trajectory and its its trajectory and solidity, which place it on the list of monuments of the Republic of Congo.
Periods in creative history
The Poto-Poto painting school, founded in the 1940s in French Equatorial Africa, was a key moment in Congolese painting. Founded by Pierre Lods in 1950 in Poto-Poto, the “Centre d’arts africains” was notable for its “mickeys” style, characterised by simplified dancing silhouettes. Although the centre had no theory courses or regulations, and the style did not entirely correspond to the idea of a purely African art promoted by Lods, it made a major contribution to the international reputation of Congolese painting.
After Congo’s independence, the Centre d’arts africains became the Poto-Poto painting school, continuing to train artists. In 1961, Pierre Lods left for Dakar, and Nicolas Ondongo took over as director, creating a cooperative. The school received numerous awards and was recognised as an artistic heritage site in 1970. It has also received grants and taken part in international exhibitions. In 1999, the school was rehabilitated after the conflicts of 1997-1998.
At the start of the 21st century, the Poto-Poto painting school experienced a period of revival, with new artistic vocations, international exhibitions and visits from prominent figures. Artists from the school have received numerous awards and distinctions, including Jacques Iloki and Sylvestre Mangouandza. In 2020, the school was honoured by a visit from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
The Poto-Poto painting school celebrated its 40th and 60th anniversaries in 1991 and 2011. For the 40th anniversary, no artists received awards, only traditional dancers. For the 60th anniversary, two ceremonies were held, supported by “Les Dépêches de Brazzaville” and minister Jean-Claude Gakosso. Despite financial constraints, an exhibition was organised and honour diplomas were awarded to the artists.
They are with us every day