.aesthetic talk
BORGIAL
*Ancestral Echoes
written + interview Amanda Mortenson
Borgial’s art defies easy categorization, drawing from a rich well of personal and cultural narratives.
Born in Congo and now based in France, he channels his heritage and experiences into powerful works that resonate with ancestral spirituality and esoteric traditions. His sculptures and performances are engaging experiences, each piece serving as an archaeological dig into his African roots and the complexities of identity. A visceral exploration of memory, mythology, and the profound connections between the physical and spiritual realms, his work crafts a dialogue between past and present, inviting us to engage with the raw, elemental forces that shape our existence.
Through a unique blend of materials and symbolism, Borgial creates a space where art becomes ritual, a pathway to deeper understanding and transformation.
Borgial by Kaj Lehner
“My romance with art has always been a secret place for me to connect with the wholeness of my imagination, in the childish yet visceral idea of me being a wizard.”
Borgial speaks with Amanda Mortenson
for LE MILE Issue N3. 37 - AGE OF CHANGE
Amanda Mortenson
Hi Borgial, your work often involves the mythification of the individual, intertwining personal histories and broader cultural narratives. Can you elaborate on how your personal experiences and your African roots influence your art?
Borgial
I was born in Congo and left my country with my family due to the political instabilities resulting from the repercussions of civil war. As a migrant, being uprooted always leads to an identity crisis. My romance with art has always been a secret place for me to connect with the wholeness of my imagination, in the childish yet visceral idea of me being a wizard. Magic is, in fact, a huge part of my Congolese legacy. My grandfather transmitted spiritual gifts and practices to my dad, who then passed them on to me and some of my siblings.
This sense of spirituality is a significant part of my artistic practice. In my sculptural work, I try to recreate a certain archaeology of what remains of my Africanity (from both the collective and individual experience of it): all the memories, mythologies, and narratives that have taken shelter in my physical and etheric bodies throughout this cultural shift of moving to France. These sculptures and installations are the archaeology of my own history. Due to the Congolese civil war and political instabilities, we lost much of our past (photos, objects, and even memories often due to trauma)—therefore, the idea of archaeology is very important to me.
In my performance work, I engage in exercises (which I often consider rituals) to reconnect with emotions and a profound ancestral spirituality. I strive to reconnect my body with something greater than myself. Performance art serves as a form of personal therapy.
In your installations and performances, you use a variety of materials—each carrying specific symbolic weight. How do you choose these materials, and what do they represent in your work?
I started with fabric. I’ve always maintained a connection with the idea of fashion because it bridges my Congolese and French cultural experiences. It’s like a common thread linking these two narratives. In 2020, I created my first wooden sculpture piece named "Piedestal I." an elevating pair of sculptures and performative objects that embodies the boldness of self-expression. Carving and working with wood felt natural to me—it was organic, physical, and involved endurance and self-realization. With every small gesture I made, I felt as though I was unearthing the history of my ancestors and getting closer to a shared reality. Since then, I have chosen wood as my primary material for sculpture.
Having moved from Congo-Brazzaville to France, how do you balance or navigate the influences of these diverse cultural landscapes in your art?
It’s not easy. It’s a long process. I feel like the life of an artist involves a lot of doing, then questioning the deeper meaning of what we have just done—in order to refine and clarify future attempts, as we weave an entire narrative and identity through the process of art. The more I grow (both personally and in my practice), the more I strive to reach a universal form of expression. One that could blend all the cultures within me and be understood by anyone, regardless of their cultural background. An art that emanates something raw, primitive, and visceral.
This requires staying grounded and close to my origins while also being grateful for every expansion that life provides. This idea of elevation while constantly taking root was the concept behind my piece "Piedestal I." I am currently working on developing a series of these pieces, as I have realized that this theme will always be a part of my life.
all images seen by
KAJ LEHNER
You have a keen interest in esoteric traditions such as alchemy and astrology. How do these disciplines inform your creative process and the thematic content of your work?
I’ve always believed in the magical realms of life—invisible forces and all. I think the deep study of these disciplines helps me bring rationality to my Piscean imagination (Pisces moon here). Alchemy, astrology, and numerology help me understand the subtleties of life and connect with ancestral knowledge. I delve into their iconography to find elements that can enhance my artistic vocabulary. It’s a lot of food for thought for me. It’snot my whole life, but it greatly nourishes my knowledge and comprehension of life. I’m sure it plays a bigger role on an unconscious level of my brain, but I haven’t fully understood it yet.
As an artist, what role do you think art plays in societal change? Do you believe art has the power to influence or reshape cultural or social norms?
I do believe so. In society, art represents the idea of freedom. It has the power to explore diverse realms and intertwine reality with imagination, thereby shaping new realities. To me, it’s one of the most powerful things. I also believe it has become more challenging since social media has gained so much influence on people's lives. It’s both a blessing and a curse.
I know there are many people out there using art to make the world a better place, and I’m very grateful to witness and be inspired by that. One of the latest inspirations I've found is Gilberto Gomes Leal, who explores movement as a powerful and healing tool for both the individual and the collective. I am very inspired by these people and initiatives.
How do you perceive the current shifts in our society? What changes are most significant to you personally or artistically?
Technology. Social media still represents a significant shift for me. I’ve always been quite mistrustful of it, yet it is a tool for promoting my art. I also see the way it impacts people’s mental health.
With the rapid changes and transformations happening today, how can your art contribute to or enhance the public discourse on these shifts?
I want my art to be a window through which we can inspire others to embrace freedom, both in art and spirituality. I also want it to reflect an idea of integrity, authenticity, and responsibility towards humanity and nature. My goal is to have a practice with zero negative impact on nature, one that can elevate minds and souls.
Let’s look forward, how do you see your artistic practice evolving? Are there new themes or mediums you are interested in exploring?
I’m curious about so many things, but I also want to build a career that is coherent, authentic, and meaningful. I want it to convey a comprehensive and unified message. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I would love to expand my performance universe by traveling the world and, most especially, going back to Africa. There is so much more for me to see and do there. I also want to invite more performers into my work to learn through others and to inspire unity by intertwining bodies and their personal histories. Additionally, I love composing music, so I would really love for music to take a bigger space in my performative explorations. Let’s see! For the moment, I’m just very excited about all the good things that are happening. I’m very optimistic about the future.
What kind of impact do you hope your work will have on both current and future generations? How do you want to be remembered in the world of art and contemporary culture?
Wow. I don’t really know about that. I want my work to inspire an idea of peace and fluidity across genders and cultures. Ultimately, I want my art to tap into the essence of life. That’s my secret dream.
“I want my art to be a window through which we can inspire others to embrace freedom, both in art and spirituality, while reflecting integrity, authenticity, and responsibility toward humanity and nature.”
Borgial speaks with Amanda Mortenson
for LE MILE Issue N3. 37 - AGE OF CHANGE