SESSE ELANGWE
SAMSON BAKARE
GALERIE FARAH FAKHRI is delighted to present Look at me in the eyes, a duo show of two new-generation artists: Samson Bakare and Sesse Elangwe. The entire body of works was produced during their residency in Abidjan.
Elangwe and Bakare both explore the look in the eyes, with an exaggeration that is sometimes comic and sometimes mysterious.
Samson Bakare (b. 1993), from Nigeria, adopts a multidisciplinary approach that pushes the boundaries of artistic expression. For Bakare, art is the language through which he expresses his dreams and deepest emotions.
His artistic evolution has allowed him to explore mediums other than painting, such as drawing and sculpture. Rejecting academic constraints, his characters are endowed with characteristic facial expressions, their noses, and eyes amplified, prominent, and memorable.
Beyond aesthetics, around Bakare's philosophy, are pressing issues such as the preservation of cultural heritage and the prejudices of urban life of the African continent.
In this series, Bakare finds inspiration in the peaceful atmosphere of Abidjan, contrasting it with the vibrant energy of his native Lagos.
Through colorful background, bright colors and omnipresent elements of African symbolism, the artist suggests a sense of harmony and serenity, like the ocean. He invites us to join him on a poetic journey of exploration, reflection, and personal transformation.
Sesse Elangwe, a self-taught artist from Cameroon (b. 1994), is a visionary who invites us to travel through his world, which is full of mystery and humor.
His artistic style skillfully blends elements of surrealism, expressionism, and traditional art. He draws his inspiration from the essence of the present moment, reflecting an evolving awareness of himself and everyone else.
Through his paintings, Elangwe encourages us to explore the innermost ideas of our imagination and consciousness. He invites introspection, urging us to look beyond our physical appearance. His way of working with the eye symbolizes a commitment to curiosity and learning, a reminder to remain receptive to the new experiences and perspectives that life has to offer.
Inspired by the nature, his culture and his environment, the artist draws on his roots, sometimes with a slight allusion to the United States. Elangwe shares his travels and discoveries, encouraging audiences to follow their dreams limitlessly.
Committed to social justice and the fight against oppression, he tackles powerful themes such as injustice, resilience, and hope. Through a mirrored work created during his residency, he invites us to contemplate our personal aspirations, to introspect through his work. His artistic vision acts as a reflection of the human condition, reminding us of our responsibility to others and to our planet.
By exploring the thematic of collective memory and transformation, these two artists remind us of the power of Art, transcending boundaries and inspiring changes; pushing us to see the world differently, to embrace diversity and nourish our imagination.
Exhibition text written by Marie-Lou Marchand.