In December 2005, Bruno Vekemans decided for the first time in his oeuvre to create an extensive series of artworks on a particular theme.nnIn May of 2006 Bruno Vekemans stayed in Kinshasa, Congo - 2 months prior to the first round of the first democratic elections in 40 years - to prepare for a series of gouaches, oils on canvas and verres ?glomis?s. nHis physical presence and the emotional experience of this study trip to Kinshasa made an overwhelming impression on Bruno Vekemans, both as a person and as an artist. He allowed this project to occupy two years of his life. At the centre of it all lies authenticity.nnBruno Vekemans is a personality, and, beyond that, a man with a great deal of respect for other people, both in his daily life and as subjects.nnHe retains everything of the authentic artist, and has been painting since the age of seven. Throughout his career, Vekemans has always maintained that he does not like to theorise or even philosophise about his work. His life and his mission are simply to paint. That reflexive response reveals how his art is a highly intuitive and everyday activity to him.nnThe black people portrayed in Kinshasa have an individuality and naturalness no longer apparent in West Europeans. They are not affected