Sculptor Alfred Liyolo marked 5 years in the hereafter on Monday since his passing in Vienna, Austria at the age of 76, but the best way to honor his memory is to protect his work.

Among Liyolo's works that deserve the attention of public authorities is the one dedicated to "Market Gardening Mothers," located at the so-called Triangle Place between the districts of Ngaba, Makala, and Lemba. The plinth on which it stands is invaded daily by loiterers who have turned it into a seat.

If we are not careful, this monument is at risk of disappearing. As if that weren't enough, some people place their posters on it announcing evangelization campaigns. During the election campaign, several parliamentary candidates also used this work on which they stuck their posters. The foundation that bears his name must also ensure the protection of his work to avoid spitting on the memory of this figure whose fame has crossed national borders.

Instead of simply organizing this cultural open house day, scheduled for April 13, it must also focus on the protection of the work. Lacking its own funds, it must take steps to raise money for this project.

Alfred Liyolo was born in 1943 in Bolobo in the Maï-Ndombe province. His works have been exhibited in several major cities around the world and displayed in prestigious cultural venues on the planet, including in Paris (Louvre), Nice in France, Tokyo (Japan), Seville (Expo 92), New York (Art expo 93) (USA), Vienna (Austria), Lisbon (Portugal), Beijing (China)...

In December 2015, he was awarded, along with other cultural operators, the Medal of Merit in Arts, Sciences, and Letters.

Mr. Liyolo completed his primary studies in Brazzaville, before going to study art from 1958 to 1962 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa. In 1963, he received a scholarship from the Austrian government and was admitted to the School of Applied Arts in Graz.

In 1965, he continued his training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, in the Master Sculptors' class led by Professor Wander Bertoni, where he obtained his master's degree in art (the Magister Artium), specializing in monumental sculpture.

In 1970, he returned to his native country, the DRC, after doctoral studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria and worked as a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa.

In 1982, he was appointed director-general of this prestigious art school in the DRC. Nine years later, an unfortunate incident occurred. His studios and residence were completely ransacked during the looting that took place in the country. Disappointed, he left the country with his family to settle in Vienna, where he taught in various art schools.

In addition to the monument in honor of the Market Gardening Mothers, the busts located at Independence Square in Lualaba, the Lumumba monument in the garden of the Prime Minister's office in Kinshasa, the Governors' Alley in Kinshasa, and the monument dedicated to artists at the famous square with the same name at Victoire roundabout in the Kalamu district in Kinshasa are also among his works.

Boni Tsala