24 February 2023
Introducing the Bikoka Art Project
Join us at Orchids for a photography exhibition and soundscape by Cameroonian artists Yvon Ngassam and Elsa M’bala.
Enriching this year’s orchid festival that celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of Cameroon, art critic and historian Christine Eyene has curated a photography exhibition from the Bikoka Art Project.
The Bikoka Art Project is an independent initiative that provides artistic and professional opportunities to local youth and women from Lolodorf, Cameroon.
Don’t miss stunning photography of everyday scenes and spectacular landscapes from Lolodorf and beyond spanning the South End (arid zone) of the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
So what is the Bikoka Art Project and how does it shine a light on the people and places of Cameroon?
The road from Bikoka
The Bikoka Art Project is based in the quiet and green area of Bikoka (Lolodorf) in the south province of the Republic of Cameroon, on a vast rural site.
The initiative was developed in dialogue with the local community, and to date it includes artist commissions; creative workshops for local youth and women; and the training of emerging Cameroonian art professionals.
Exhibitions have taken the project from Lolodorf to London’s Somerset House and now we have the honour of showcasing the artworks at Kew.
The vision for this project in its hometown is to create an art centre, featuring artists, curators and art writers residency, an exhibition space, art library, and a sculpture garden.
These cultural projects have the potential to positively impact the local community in a context where educational and professional opportunities after secondary school are limited.
About the curator
Bikoka Art Project was initiated by London-based French-Cameroonian curator and art historian Christine Eyene.
Ever since reconnecting with her 80-year-old father who lives in Cameroon, Paris-born curator Christine Eyene has had the desire to start an art initiative in his hometown of Lolodorf.
Inspired by her father’s engagement in the local community, Lolodorf’s history and traditions, and the energy of Lolodorf’s youth, Eyene decided to develop an art project on her family’s grounds.
The exhibition
The Bikoka Art Project is currently exhibiting in Kew’s Princess of Wales Conservatory.
The photographs on display include portraits of inhabitants of Lolodorf, everyday scenes, and landscapes captured by Yvon Ngassam, curated by Christine Eyene.
The collection of images features landscapes showing the verdant nature of the region, abstract images of architectures, and human activity in market and street scenes.
Across the glasshouse, a soundscape immerses visitors into the rich sonic textures of Lolodorf, recorded by Ngassam, and Cameroon’s rhythmic heritage, explored by sound artist Elsa M’Bala.
The Bikoka Art Project will be on display in The Princess of Wales Conservatory until 5 March 2023. Delve into the art, culture and local history of Lolodorf, Cameroon on your next visit to Kew.
