Cameroonian plastic artist Marie Francine Dongmo has unveiled her latest exhibition, "Mémoire matricielle : archives invisibles du vivant," at Abali Gallery in Yaoundé. The exhibition, part of the Cameroon Cultural Network, offers a unique journey into the smallest particles of living beings. With a collection of around thirty paintings, Dongmo invites viewers to exercise patience and contemplation in their exploration of her artwork. Her pieces are accompanied by a soundscape that reveals, proposes, and explains her vision.
Dongmo's artistic approach revolves around the idea that the human body retains every experience it has undergone. Her works often feature water and wind as essential elements, symbolizing the dynamic and transformative nature of life. As visitors navigate the exhibition, they are immersed in an ambiance that encourages introspection and self-discovery. The artist's statement, "Je suis né de ce qui coule, et non de ce que je maîtrise. Origine n’est pas un lien. C’est un état, une vibration, un silence qui contient tout," sets the tone for the exhibition.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is "La danse originelle," an aquapeint that depicts the battle of forms similar to spermatozoa striving to reach a larger form, presumably an ovule, to give life to an egg. This artwork illustrates Dongmo's concept of "matière qui se souvient d’avoir été désir" (matter that remembers having been desire). Another notable piece, "Le cordon n’a pas été coupé," shows a woman in a foulard with a child gazing at her, highlighting the connection between mother and child.
The exhibition also features "Souffle végétal," which showcases the silent growth of plants, with water at the center of life. Dongmo's use of blue lines and gentle forms creates a sense of serenity and harmony. Her artwork encourages viewers to reevaluate their relationship with nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings. By exploring the depths of living memories, Dongmo's exhibition invites visitors to contemplate their own existence and the world around them.
Dongmo's artistic vision is characterized by her focus on the essence of beings and things, rather than their appearance. Her statement, "Je m’intéresse moins à l’apparence des êtres et des choses qu’à ce qui les habite, les relie et les traverse," underscores her approach to art. Through her exhibition, Dongmo offers a unique perspective on the human experience, encouraging viewers to engage with their surroundings in a more mindful and introspective manner.
The exhibition "Mémoire matricielle : archives invisibles du vivant" is a testament to Dongmo's skill and creativity as a plastic artist. Her use of various mediums and techniques has resulted in a cohesive and thought-provoking collection of artworks. As visitors leave the exhibition, they are likely to carry with them a newfound appreciation for the complexities and mysteries of life.
The exhibition is open to visitors at Abali Gallery in Yaoundé, offering a rare opportunity to engage with Dongmo's artwork and explore the depths of living memories.
Key points
- The exhibition "Mémoire matricielle : archives invisibles du vivant" showcases Marie Francine Dongmo's unique perspective on the interconnectedness of all living things.
- Dongmo's artwork encourages viewers to exercise patience and contemplation in their exploration of her pieces.
- The exhibition features a collection of around thirty paintings that invite visitors to reevaluate their relationship with nature and the world around them.
