Blood of the Congo

This art print depicts a young boy emerging chest-deep from a bed of crushed cobalt and mineral ore, rendered in blue, teal, and pink crystalline tones against a stormy sky. A single mark of red is visible on his cheek. His eyes are closed, his expression calm rather than distressed.

The piece addresses the human cost of cobalt, gold, and coltan mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — minerals essential to smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Much of this mining relies on dangerous, low-paid labor, including child labor, often under the control of armed militias and corrupt officials. The wealth generated has fueled conflict and corruption rather than benefiting local communities, while families and communities bear the human toll.

Available in a 16x25 size, framed in black or unframed. Part of the Eyeconic Warriors Black Art collection.