Hi Florence, sorry for keeping you waiting. You mentionnned the fact that boundaries are collapsing with the advancement of new technologies. Yes indeed, things are moving… fast. Here, however, that speed is yet to reach its peak as there are constant disturbances on the network. I am writing from a web-cafe, some thirty minutes away from home. In theory I am connected 24/7 to Internet. The reality is I keep ladies waiting.
Sorry again.
It is strange we were born the same year. But you went faster so much so that went you left the university, I was stepping in. And did study languages and literature. and in 1991 after completing m exams for the DEA (Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies) I left the campus to become a full time visual artist in 1992.
There has always been an urge to express myself and upon entering the university (the same University of Yaounde) I was thinking of becoming a journalist. That is why the Science student, in High School, finally enrolled for a Bilingual Degree. The political events in 1990 and 1991 all over French speaking Africa, gave ample prove that journalism as I envisaged it (investigation, reports…) was not possible here. Instead, I could express myself to the fullest through art (though the audience would be limited…)
that is how what was previously a hobby (a serious one) took over and I became an artist. I had been studying visual arts for 05 years with Doctor Pascal Kenfack (Art Historian and Artist).
You talked also about the need to contribute to a change of mind sets through a provision of diffenrent imageries than the traditional way Africa is portrayed. This has been a strong line in my video production reassessing the way I am portrayed in the media, as an African. But as I am made unhappy by the constant bombardment with images of starving Africa, kids with expensive arms… I am equally chocked by the way official media over here portray Africa. There is a feeling that even here people want to feed on misery and fail to show the beauties around. Mind you, I am not interested in reversed propaganda. I simply believe that we live in a complex world and this complexity needs to be shown, also about here, also here, also from here .
Today, inspite of the problems with the network and regular power cuts, I am here speaking to you.
take care and see you after the next power cut.
goddy
