"YOU SLEEP, YOUR LIFE SLEEPS!”
Impossible n'est pas Camerounais
The Artistic Journey of Abdias Ngateu
Born in 1990 in Douala, Cameroon, Abdias Ngateu lives and works in his hometown, where the vibrant and chaotic urban environment serves as a profound source of inspiration for his art. His lifelong love for drawing since childhood and his discovery of painting and screen printing in 2004 fueled his passion. His parents enrolled him in a screen printing and decorative art workshop led by the painter Jack Decor, where he honed his drawing and painting techniques while continuing his secondary education. Later, the influence of artists like Achilleka Komguem and the avant-garde teachings of Guillaume Apollinaire inspired Ngateu to pursue a full-time artistic career.
Ngateu’s unique approach involves anthropomorphizing animals to mirror human behaviors, blurring the lines between human and animal traits. This technique allows him to delve deeply into societal issues, particularly the complexities of urban travel and the infrastructural challenges in Douala. « My technique draws inspiration from photos taken on the streets of Douala and elsewhere to create a patchwork of unique and metaphorical works. I replaces human faces with those of animals based on the emotions and sensations I feel, conveying emotions through the expressions of certain animals » Ngateu confided. This technique evolves as he works, refining over time and experience.
Ngateu's art highlights the disarray and corruption inherent in the urban infrastructure. The roads, meant for transportation, quickly fall into disrepair due to the lack of adherence to construction standards and pervasive corruption. Vehicles, overloaded and barely operational, become symbols of resilience and survival amidst the dysfunction. Douala, as the economic heart of Cameroon, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for him. Its bustling streets, precariousness, and multicultural communities have profoundly influenced his artistic vision.
What sets Ngateu apart is his ability to infuse humor into his critical commentary. His colorful, vivid artworks are undeniably funny at first glance, yet they carry a deeper, more poignant message about the socio-economic conditions in Cameroon. This dual-layered approach is a testament to his sociological insight, a field he formally studied at the University of Douala alongside his training in graphic and decorative arts, which he began at the tender age of 14.
« My work is not just a reflection of Cameroonian society but resonates broadly across different cultures, making my social commentary universally relatable » Ngateu revealed. His paintings often feature satirical inscriptions on vehicles, such as "free wifi on board" or "air-conditioned taxi," juxtaposed with the harsh realities of urban life. These ironic details compel viewers to look beyond the immediate humor and confront the underlying issues.
Ngateu’s artistic journey has evolved through his constant questioning of world problems and current events. In addition to artistic residencies, meetings, national and international symposiums, and biennials, various experiences have enriched his career: two exhibitions in the OFF of the Dak’art Biennale in 2018 and 2022, a solo exhibition at Taxi Bamako in Mali, and an artistic residency at Koulikoro at the Nanagaleni Space. The artistic residency at Ateliers Sahm in 2018 in Congo Brazzaville also brought him an enriching experience. The same year, he participated in a workshop at Galerie MAM with the famous art curator Simon Njami, followed by workshops with Barthélémy Toguo at Bandjoun Station. These different encounters with established artists and art curators have allowed him to evolve significantly.
Since 2018, Ngateu has been represented by the OOA GALLERY, which has significantly bolstered his career. The gallery’s support has opened international doors, providing him with opportunities to showcase his work on a global stage. One of the key exhibitions in 2021 was "Everyday Heroes" which demonstrates Ngateu's ability to capture the essence of ordinary people, turning them into extraordinary subjects through his artistic lens. His pieces in this exhibition were celebrated for their vibrant use of color and the poignant portrayal of his subjects, reflecting the resilience and beauty of everyday life.
Additionally, in the same year, Ngateu's art was featured at ART X Lagos 2021, an esteemed art fair in Nigeria, through the OOA GALLERY. This event is one of the leading art fairs in Africa, known for bringing together some of the most talented and innovative artists from the continent and beyond. His works were well-received, resonating with a diverse audience and highlighting the rich cultural narratives of his homeland.
In 2024, Ngateu’s career continues to ascend, with exhibitions planned across multiple continents, further cementing his place in the international art scene. His works are currently found in prestigious collections and institutions, including the Cherkaoui Art Foundation in Fez, Morocco, and private collections in France, Cameroon, London, the USA, and Hong Kong.
« My ambition extend beyond my own career. I envision creating an art space in Cameroon where young artists from around the world could participate in residencies, symposiums, and contemporary creations. This space would be a hub for artistic exchange and innovation » Ngateu shared. Abroad, he aims to establish partnerships with art centers and spaces to foster North-South relationships for artistic knowledge exchanges.
The artist’s motto, inscribed on one of his famous taxis, "Impossible n'est pas Camerounais" ("impossible is not Cameroonian"), encapsulates his optimistic and determined spirit. From his artistic perspective, this statement reflects the idea of never giving up. It is about making do with what we have and exceeding the limits of the possible. Faced with any blockage or obstacle, a Cameroonian always finds a solution to get by. This resilience stems from the total precariousness experienced by some populations in Douala and other African and world cities. Ngateu's art invites us to view the world through a lens of humor and irony while challenging us to recognize and address the deeper socio-political issues at play.
His ability to blend artistry with social critique makes him a key voice in contemporary art, one that continues to inspire and provoke thought across the globe. This vision is encapsulated in his series "Impossible n'est pas Camerounais," which links the chaotic life of Douala's bustling streets with the positive and humorous perspective that Abdias infuses into his work.
Through his artistic journey, Ngateu aims to depict a reality that, while containing elements of hardship, also offers moments of joy and a softer, more nuanced understanding of the general concept.
« In the future, I see the world of contemporary African art as decisive, with new forms of creative expression and continued new movements. I believe in the potential of Cameroonian artists to reach the top of African artistic creation and even be among the TOP 1000 worldwide. Impossible n’est pas Camerounais. » Ngateu confided.
