Cameroonian plastic artist Marie Francine Dongmo has opened her exhibition "Mémoire matricielle: archives invisibles du vivant" which explores the themes of water and memory. The exhibition aims to create a space for reflection on what constitutes us profoundly. Dongmo's work examines the concepts of water and the matrix as places of deposit and transformation. Her research does not limit itself to maternity or the female body but rather questions what generates, connects, and maintains life in continuity.
Dongmo's inspiration for the exhibition comes from her upbringing surrounded by a circle of women, including her mother and grandmother. In this environment, gestures, stories, songs, and experiences were often passed down without formal discourse. This lived memory now nourishes her work. Through the exhibition, Dongmo seeks to make perceptible what is not immediately visible but deeply structures our existence. Her artwork features a technique she calls "aquapeint," where she deposits oil colors on the surface of water, allowing them to float and form evolving shapes.
The process of creating her artwork involves capturing the image that emerges from the water at a specific moment. Dongmo's role is to observe, select, and interpret these impressions, which she then assembles on canvas through collage. This process combines chance and intentionality, as the artist does not entirely control the image that appears. The resulting artwork reflects the dynamic movement of water and its ability to produce unexpected forms and encounters.
The concept of "matriciel" refers to the matrix as a space of origin, transformation, and becoming. Dongmo's work explores this idea, using water as a symbol of archives invisible to the living. She sees water as a central element in her creative process, both as a material and a field of reflection. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the role of water and memory in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Dongmo's use of water as a creative medium allows for a unique exploration of the relationship between chance and intentionality. By surrendering to the unpredictable nature of the aquapeint process, she creates complex and intriguing images that challenge the viewer to reflect on the nature of memory and identity. The exhibition "Mémoire matricielle" offers a thought-provoking experience, encouraging visitors to engage with the themes of water, memory, and the human experience.
The exhibition has been featured in the Cameroonian press, with an article published in the Cameroon Tribune. The article highlights Dongmo's innovative approach to art and her use of water as a creative medium. The exhibition has also generated interest among art enthusiasts, who appreciate the opportunity to engage with the artist's unique perspective on the relationship between water and memory.
Marie Francine Dongmo's exhibition "Mémoire matricielle" is a significant contribution to the world of contemporary art. Her innovative use of water as a creative medium and her exploration of the themes of memory and identity make for a compelling and thought-provoking experience. The exhibition is a testament to the artist's skill and creativity, and it offers a unique perspective on the human experience.
Key points
- The exhibition "Mémoire matricielle" explores the themes of water and memory.
- Dongmo's artwork features a technique she calls "aquapeint," where she deposits oil colors on the surface of water.
- The concept of "matriciel" refers to the matrix as a space of origin, transformation, and becoming.
