| |
Issa Nyaphaga artist
Born in 1967, Douala
Galerie Philippe Lawson du 12 Décembre au 12 Janvier
“Capillarism” was the beginning of my profession as an artist and is a fundamental characteristic of my work. The use of human hair allows me to add texture to the painting; any painting, figurative, abstract, oil or acrylic. I work with different kinds of salvaged materials that I collect in my neighborhood : toothbrushes, keys, coins, cans and other discarded objects.
These objects convey a meaning for me because I give them a second life and, in the end, power of expression. The various types of materials I use provide me with varied relief in my paintings, totems, and other constructions.
I prepare my own colors, mixtures of dust and natural pigments, glue, gum, sand, and mud that I apply with my hands and fingers to the canvas. I don’t feel comfortable at an easel. Regardless of if I’m using hair, paper, sand or earth, I always work in a crouching position. I paint on my knees because in this position I can remain in contact with the Earth. I create my works horizontally and they are viewed vertically. When I create, it’s like drawing a circle and going into a trance. The rest of the world ceases to exist. I try to find refuge in this activity in order to exorcize my old demons.
My work is an answer to a very simple need: to create with everyday objects while addressing serious concerns of our time, such as the pollution of the environment. My inspiration comes from society and the people and stories that cross my life. I simply try to translate the complexity of the world. [I. Nyaphaga] |
|
