The Archive: Week 4 - Masisi, North Kivu, DRC
Masisi, North Kivu, DR Congo
Venturing out into rebel this controlled region, where thousands upon thousands have been displaced and thousands more have been killed, the last thing I expected to find in this war-torn land was a thriving cheese-making facility. High in the mountains, past a dozen checkpoints with AK wielding, glassy-eyed, para-military, I came upon a monastery, hand-crafting the most unlikely product; artisanal cheese. I’ve eaten DR Congo cheese before and have always heard the locals go on an on about it, but this experience was quite different. This thriving monastery tucked into the mountain-side with rolling green hills made me think I was in Switzerland - the only difference was the military installations and just miles below.
Why it stuck out - Juxtaposition is always something photographers look for. Although this is not a great example of juxtaposition photographically, it is mentally for me. Knowing the difficulty to get to this region, the war that continues to plague the region, rebel activity all around, violence, rape and pain; if this this slow hand-crafted artisanal process in the middle of war doesn’t juxtapose, I don’t know what does. I just don’t have an image the explains all of that singularly - that is what separates a good image from a great image.
July 16th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Dear Micah, My sister is living in Masisi and works for doctors without borders. I am not sure if you are still close to that area. If you ever want to go there and need an introduction to the hospital/doctors without borders (or just want to meet interesting people), do let me know. It is so beautiful over there as I understand and such contrast with what is happening. But you will know all about that. For sure you have your own plan and good luck with that. I much enjoyed your interesting pictures!
Kindes regards,
Jojanneke Deelstra
jojannekedeelstra@hotmail.com