The Richest Poor Country In The World

The composition follows the geographic outline of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The title reflects the paradox of a land containing some of the planet's most valuable natural resources, while its population remains among the poorest and most exposed to violence.

Within its borders, civilians are shown in movement, fleeing the territory. They are framed and controlled by armed figures — some of them children — reflecting the documented presence of child soldiers in multiple armed groups operating in the region.

The armed figures do not protect the population. They function as enforcers of extraction and control.

Beneath their feet, traces of gold run through the land. These marks represent the immense mineral wealth of the Congo — cobalt, coltan, gold — resources essential to global industries, particularly digital and military technologies.

This wealth structures the violence.

In the northern part of the territory, a dense forest is visible. It refers to the Congo Basin, one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, and a strategic ecological zone increasingly threatened by exploitation and armed conflict.

The civilians move between armed groups. Their displacement reflects decades of conflict sustained by foreign economic interests, proxy militias, and systemic instability.

The golden tear, recurring across the series, serves as a signature. It marks grief, responsibility, and the moral cost of prosperity built elsewhere.

Material and FormThe surface is composed of warm neutral tones — beige, soft browns and muted earth colors. Matte, layered textures create a dry, mineral depth. Subtle gold appears beneath the surface, embedded rather than highlighted. Forms emerge through tonal transitions rather than sharp contours. The overall finish remains matte, restrained, and material-driven.

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Each work carries time, memory, and meaning.
— Rōimata Art