Congo-Belgique 1955-1965

This book suggests approaching the period of transition from the colonial Congo to an independent Congo through a critical analysis of the photographic production between 1955 and 1965. Drawing on propaganda photography, family albums, missionary and corporate collections, but also on the collections of press agencies aimed at Europeans and produced by them, the study approaches photography as a source in its own right and not as mere illustration.

What do images tell us about the evolution of Congolese society between 1955 and 1965? How did colonial propaganda portray the last years of the colony and what message did it want to convey? What memories did former colonials preserve in their family albums? Was there an awareness among colonials of the process underway? And in Congolese society? These are some of the central questions addressed by the book.

Discover the history of the Belgian Congo through its photographic archives!