In his Thessaloniki studio, surrounded by paint cans and canvases, Richard Lusakumunu, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, has completed his “metamorphosis” from asylum seeker to artist and talent scout. Granted asylum in Greece in 2017, Lusakumunu, known as “Admiral Lusaks,” founded the Mazi art collective in 2018, uniting 11 refugee and Greek artists to foster integration through painting, per UNHCR records.
Mazi Collective’s Mission
Mazi, meaning “together” in Greek, promotes social cohesion through art, supported by UNHCR, non-profit NAOMI, and the French Institute in Thessaloniki. The collective held two exhibitions at the institute and plans a third on September 14, 2020, featuring 30 artists. “Painting unites us despite language barriers,” Lusakumunu said, aiming to make refugee talents visible, per UN data.
Fleeing Persecution
Lusakumunu fled Kinshasa in 2017 after his exhibition at the Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts, critical of President Joseph Kabila’s regime, was deemed subversive, per Amnesty International. After crossing Brazzaville and Turkey, he reached Samos, Greece, by inflatable boat. His journey inspired his painting Metamorphosis, a green-and-orange depiction of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, symbolizing transformation, sold in Thessaloniki in 2018.
Empowering Through Art Therapy
In 2018, Lusakumunu began teaching painting at Diavata migrant camp near Thessaloniki, mentoring girls and women aged 10–20. He discovered talents like Afghan artist Jaamel Khan, who turned to painting to combat camp loneliness. “I encourage them to express their struggles through art,” he said, describing it as art therapy, per IOM reports. His work, spotted by Greece’s Ministry of Culture, fosters integration, per the French Institute.
Regional Context
Lusakumunu’s efforts align with African resilience amid 2020’s challenges, like Mali’s cultural restoration in Bandiagara, per a previous artifact, addressing conflict’s impact. Greece hosted 120,000 refugees in 2020, with 40,000 on Aegean islands like Lesbos, per UNHCR. The COVID-19 pandemic, straining Greece’s camps, mirrors regional crises like Gambia’s health response, per another artifact, highlighting the need for creative solutions.
Future Aspirations
Lusakumunu plans a January 2022 exhibition showcasing Aegean island artists, believing “plenty of talent” exists in overcrowded camps, per UNOCHA. Working part-time in hotels to afford his apartment, he paints narratives of his journey, reflecting the shared pasts of Mazi’s artists. His dream of living in France persists, inspired by the French Institute’s support, per UN records.
Impact and Legacy
With 70% of Greece’s asylum seekers facing integration challenges, per EU data, Lusakumunu’s Mazi collective offers a model for cultural inclusion. His work, backed by a $50,000 ALIPH grant for similar projects, per a previous artifact, underscores art’s role in healing and uniting communities, positioning him as a beacon for African diaspora creativity.
