I am a Cameroonian-born artist living in London, whose work merges the experiences of my childhood in Cameroon with my adulthood in London, creating a strong political narrative. My art challenges societal standards and questions reality, drawing from both new and old inspirations. Through film, photography, and performance, I explore themes of trauma, memory, and urban landscapes. An ongoing focus of my work is the study of labor in unfinished cities, where the inhabitants’ bodies exist within the ever-present construction. I examine concrete as an imaginary object that has become the stark reality for these locals. I’m drawn to the stories and experiences of those who may never witness the completion of their neighborhoods due to unfulfilled promises. My work acts as a mirror, prompting audiences to reflect on their own truths and emotions while inviting them to derive their own meanings and engage in a deeper dialogue.

HOW IS YOUR WORK INFLUENCED BY THE CIRCA 2024 MANIFESTO?
*Echoes Before Dawn*, is deeply influenced by the CIRCA 2024 manifesto. The film explores the uncanny desires of a Cameroonian roadside at night, offering a narrative that is both detached and observant, much like the manifesto’s call to break free from cyclical patterns and challenge our perceptions. Through the eyes of a child forbidden to step foot on the road, the audience experiences a sense of spiritual and physical detachment, mirroring the manifesto’s emphasis on reimagining our environments and breaking from the norms. The film delves into the complex interplay between bodies, capital, and societal destruction, yet, like the manifesto, it finds poetry and simplicity in the human experience, offering both distress and catharsis. This alignment with the manifesto’s themes encourages a deeper exploration of the unfinished narratives and the cyclical nature of human existence.

WHAT WOULD YOU CREATE/DO WITH THE £30K CIRCA PRIZE?
I intend to support my new project titled “Windows to My Soul,” a short film and installation exploring the lives of families living in incomplete homes in Douala, Cameroon. This project highlights the impact of harsh construction laws that leave these families exposed to various environmental issues. Through this film, I aim to shed light on their daily struggles and resilience, providing a poignant commentary on how they navigate existence in the city under such challenging conditions.

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