Politique Indigène reconstructs Léon Rom’s notorious colonial residence and the yard where a gallows once stood, using 3D printing techniques. Rom, infamous for his brutality in the Congo Free State, decorated his home with skulls, becoming a symbol of the systemic oppression and atrocities of Belgian colonialism. The diorama's are presented together with a video that alternates between historical footage and AI-generated scenes, presenting an idealized, fictionalized version of colonization. The interactions between colonizers and locals appear peaceful yet remain deeply paternalistic and disruptive.
The video reflects the politique indigène, a colonial policy that gave the illusion of autonomy for the indigenous population while maintaining control through coercion. It reveals how this policy concealed the oppression at the heart of Belgian colonialism.
By blending historical footage with AI-generated content, Politique Indigène invites viewers to question how colonial history is remembered and presented. The work critiques how histories are reconstructed and how personal and geopolitical narratives shape our understanding of the past. It offers a critical visualization of the Belgian colonial project and encourages reflection on its enduring impact.