Screening of films, exhibitions and workshops … The target school in Poto-Poto, the very first in Brazzaville, founded in 1951 by the Frenchman Pierre Lods, ended a series of events on Saturday 26 June to celebrate its 70th anniversary. This facility was not saved by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advertisement -
Built at the foot of a baobab tree, Poto-Poto target school borders other trees that protect the building like a bird’s nest. Seen from near and far, it has the shape of an obelisk.
“I was 20 (when I came here). Young people were not interested in painting. It was me, Mpà, Ngampio and Dimi, ”testifies Cyrille Bokotaka, one of the schools that has worked there for 40 years.
Several thousand artists trained
In 70 years, the school has trained several thousand artists who have made and are making fantastic works. Among its alumni, the school has internationally renowned painters such as Marcel Gotène, François Thango, François Iloki, Philippe Ouassa, Jacques Zigoma, André M’Bonou and Michel Hengo, some of whom have settled abroad.
“First it was Mickey, the little character was born here. It is found throughout the African diaspora. We continue to reproduce it in a modern way now, says Jacques Iloki, vice chairman of the artists’ association.
Virtual gallery
Pandemic i Covid-19 did not spare the Poto-Poto target school, founded in 1951 by Pierre Lods. “Coronavirus has stopped with us and today there are no prescriptions. There is nothing, ”complains Master Adam Opou in despair.
Fortunately, Parfait Mbon, the school’s principal, is starting to receive a $ 15,000 grant from Unesco. He must create a virtual gallery so that artists can sell their work around the world.
.
