This [experience] was particularly exciting as it was first time this artwork was exhibited, and the interaction and interest was huge, I was really excited and inspired by the audience’s response. The biennal also involved performances, debates and workshops which were great for sharing and exchanging ideas and information. The highlight of the whole event was the phenomenal response to the ideas that I am tackling in my work as an artist and which are expressed in “L’attitude 33”, which is the theme of : preciousness in our environment, this was particularly relevant in the context of Cameroon, which made the response and debate all the more meaningfull, and important for my artistic development. So the exhibition of my artwork was a great success. However there were weaknesses in the curatorship and organisation of the Biennal as a whole and the lesson learnt for me is to research the viability and reliability of arts organisations before commiting myself to future projects. There were big weaknesses and problems in the organisation of the biennal which resulted in logistical and financial difficulties. But these were also enlightening and taught me a great deal about my own networking ability and ability to find effective solutions in a variety of circumstances. Language was a limitation for me as I speak basic french and found group discussions difficult to follow, and a disapointment when interesting debates were taking place, that I either couldn’t follow or articulate myself adequately. I intend to exhibit “L’attitude 33’ in other exhibitions as I believe that the message and debate resulting is important and relevant. I am also working on a solo exhibition here in Cape Town focusing on the theme of ‘preciousness’. I intend to remain in close contact with the artists and cultural operators whom I got to know very well on my trip to Douala, and am working towards future partnerships and exchanges. Furthermore I am busy preparing lectures in Cape Town to share my experience with the artistic community here.
Grant Year : 2007
Profile :
Gender :
Mobility project
I was invited to take part in the 2nd Duta Biennal in Douala, Cameroon, which included the exhibition of the artwork entitled “L’attitude 33”, an interactive installation which incorporates glass and black plastic tiles depicting the Southern Hemisphere and its cultural, economic and political heritage. The experience revolved around the exhibition, setting up the artwork and explaining and debating the themes and ideas behind the artwork, and the theme of the biennal ‘Codified World ‘.
Session
Type of Project
Departure : Cape Town, South Africa
Destination : Douala, Cameroon (Central Africa)