Copyright: EFOLET SHULAMMITE Israelite
The exhibition The World in Polycrises: Art Driving Change represents a contribution from students of the Libre Académie des Beaux-Arts (LABA) in Douala, the University of Yaoundé I (UY1), and the Intitut des Beaux-Arts de Nkongsamba (IBA) in Cameroon. It explores the power of visual arts as a means of reflection, resistance, healing, and transformation within the Cameroonian context. Its significance primarily lies in the effort to bring together six artworks created by six students, each expressing themselves through diverse materials and techniques. Each piece exemplifies a visual aesthetic that reflects the imagination, artistic skill, and ideas of its creators.
Addressing art as a catalyst for change in a world facing multiple crises, the group of student artists presents works that mirror their commitment to proposing aesthetic and visual forms that question the realities we live in and the futures we wish to build. Through their works, the artists explore, for example, crises related to the condition of women. Agokeng Wandji Cédric, through his creation, considers women as a living matrix of memory and a space for transmission between tradition and modernity. Chouo-si Penka Raphaël Natan’s work invites reflection on the obstacles hindering her development, while also calling for her protection and celebration by all. Similarly, Madaha Zangméné Ivanelle examines women as the mothers of humanity and central figures of transmission, inviting, through her painting, a reevaluation of their role not only as social actors but also as foundational educational and moral figures.
Furthermore, these artists also address crises related to the environment. For instance, Nkouako Tankeu Danielle Qetsia explores the meaning and responsibility of each individual in the face of pollution, encouraging awareness that could help us turn this dark chapter and live in a healthier environment. This environmental issue is also examined by Nounga Tchana Kevine Stela, who, through her work, presents a vision of possible, fragile change where art contributes to awakening a collective consciousness. Lastly, some artists touch on crises linked to human disappearance. This is notably the case with Efolet Shulammite Israëlla Reine, whose artistic proposal aims to draw attention to the vulnerability of children, who, due to lack of affection, attention, or protection, may become lost and vanish from view.
The exhibition The World in Polycrises: Art Driving Change is much more than a mere showcase of visual art. It acts as a mirror to human emotions, engagement, struggles, and aspirations of young artists striving to build a better and sustainable world. By exploring diverse themes, these works invite the public to reflect on their own experiences of crisis within their respective contexts. Immersing ourselves in the “commitments, struggles, and aspirations” of these young Cameroonian artists, we are encouraged to feel, think, and ultimately connect with one another.
Juste Constant ONANA AMOUGUI
Curator: ONANA AMOUGUI Juste Constant
Participants: AGOKENG WANDJI Cédric, CHOUO-SI PENKA Raphaël Natan, MADAHA ZANGMÉNÉ Ivanelle, NKOUAKO TANKEU Danielle Qetsia, NOUNGA TCHANA Kevine Stela, EFOLET SHULAMMITE Israëlla
