Original postcard art Congo – UNICEF, historical postcard, African art, collection, souvenir, travel, cultural memory"

A postcard by the artist Bert Heller (1912-1970). The postcard is in very good condition and unused. The postcard has an original postage stamp (anti-apartheid stamp). Date: October 16, 1981. There is a saying on the postcard: The Congo's future is beautiful.

Postcard by Bert Heller

The postcard sent from Congo by artist Bert Heller in 1981 is more than just a simple piece of paper. It is an artistic testament to hope, identity, and the ceaseless pursuit of a better future. Heller, a German artist known for his engagement with social and political issues, frequently addressed the human experience and cultural diversity of Africa in his work. This particular postcard, featuring a stamp illustrating the anti-apartheid struggle, bears the message: "The Congo's future is beautiful." These words are not only an optimistic vision but also a call to reflection on the past, present, and future of Congo and its people.

The choice of Congo as the motif for the postcard comes at a time when the country was experiencing profound political upheaval. After the colonial period, Congo faced enormous challenges, including civil war, political instability, and economic difficulties. Heller, whose work has often highlighted the resilience of people in developing countries, invites viewers to consider the multiple layers of Congolese identity and history with his map. The use of the term "beautiful" in reference to the future of Congo is significant; it counters the often negative portrayals of Africa in Western media and provides a platform for celebrating Congolese pride and vision.

The anti-apartheid stamp points to the global connections that link the struggles of people in different parts of the world. The anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa could not be viewed in isolation, as it was part of a larger narrative of freedom struggles across the continent and the indivisible desire for equality and justice. This message reminds us that the future of Congo lies not only in the hands of its citizens, but that global solidarity and cooperation are also needed to make collective dreams a reality.

The timing of the postcard, sent in October 1981, is also significant. Amid the coffee plantation crisis and political tensions in Zaire, as Congo was known at the time, such a message was both provocative and necessary. It was a time when the voices of the people behind the curtain of political machinations were often overlooked, and Heller contributes to the restoration of those voices. In a world where news is often dominated by conflict and crisis, postcards like this can shed light on the many facets of a nation that should not be reduced to what is wrong.

In summary, Bert Heller's postcard is a powerful artifact that embodies not only art but also the hope and ambition of an entire nation. It challenges us to reflect on the beauty and richness of life in Congo and reminds us of the tireless efforts of its people to build a future marked by dignity, peace, and prosperity. In a globalized world where local stories are often overlooked, such a message is vital—to foster empathy, understanding, and hopefully, the action needed to continue building Congo's future.