Series description
Restitution explores the journey of African masks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Belgium, from their original use to their display in museums. By combining archives, contemporary scenes and performances, the series questions colonial legacies, institutional narratives, and the issues surrounding restitution. Between Kinshasa and Brussels, the images reveal the tensions between memory, power, and perception, and question what it means today to exhibit, move, or reactivate these objects steeped in history.
Biography
Based in Brussels, Colin Delfosse began his work in the Democratic Republic of Congo after training in journalism. His long-term projects have won several awards, and his work has been exhibited in Kinshasa, New York, Paris, Lagos and Arles, and at numerous photography festivals.
Junior Mungongu (aka 10 Bureaux), a performance artist from Kinshasa, wearing his mask costume on the streets of the Congolese capital.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
A Kakuungu mask is packed at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, Belgium, in preparation for shipping to Kinshasa. This rare mask was loaned to the DRC by Belgium in 2022, on a long-term basis.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Fabrice Zombi Kavabioko, Suku traditional chief, Kinshasa. Fabrice Kavavioko travelled to Belgium to request the restitution of works of art and human remains belonging to the Suku people.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Carlos Putu, a contemporary artist, performing with traditional masks in Kinshasa.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
A restoration training workshop at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Alphonse Bakou Kapita, the chief of the village of Kikuku, has been demanding the return of Ne Kuko's Nkissi Nkonde, which is kept in Belgium, for more than 10 years.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Pende dancers from the village of Gungu.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
A statue of Leopold II in the former home of the first colonial administrator of the city of Boma. The house is to be converted into a museum.
© Colin Delfosse, Belgium, Finalist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards