If you’re a lover of art and culture, then you should check out the National Museum of Cameroon’s latest exhibition! Running until July 31st, this exciting exhibition is all about celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of African women.
This is not the first time that the National Museum of Yaoundé has hosted an exhibition celebrating African art by women artists. They previously showcased an exhibition titled “Tales of Another Story,” which was also produced for the Africa 2020 season and presented in Bordeaux and Abidjan before arriving in Yaoundé. The current exhibition, “Memoria, stories of another history,” is the third stopover for the project, which features works by 17 women artists from Cameroon and beyond.
‘Memoria, stories of another history” showcases a variety of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces. One of the standout pieces is by artist Ruth Belinga, who has created a striking work titled “My impregnated mosquito net”. Through her art, Belinga draws a connection between the violence inflicted upon women and the violence inflicted upon nature
This is through providing an interrelation between nature and humanity. ‘Belinga explained her inspiration for the piece, saying, “The mosquito net is an element that the Ministry of Health has been distributing to families. These elements, which I think are foreign to our families, arrive at our homes and enter the most intimate places of our houses, that is to say, our bedrooms and the nets end up witnessing certain atrocities that take place in our private homes.” It’s a powerful statement that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Another highlight of the exhibition is Carine Mansan’s installation of 77 bronze heads, all arranged in tiers. Mansan, is originally from Ivory Coast. However, her art falls under the category of Ethiopian. She tells her personal story through her art, exploring themes of religion, society, and culture. Mansan explains that the name of her installation, “Ethiopian”, comes from the word Aitiopius, which means “burnt face”. She believes that we all carry a “burnt face” inside us, and her work reflects this shared human experience.
The exhibition’s curator, Nadine Hounkpatin from Benin, explains that “Memoria, stories of another history” began as part of the focus on Women of the Season Africa 20-20 and 2021 at the Fargmaker in the city of Bordeaux. After showcasing at the Fargmaker in the city of Bordeaux, the exhibition travelled to the Museum of Contemporary Cultures in Damatoungara in Abidjan before finally arriving at the National Museum of Cameroon in Yaounde.
“Memoria, stories of another history” is worth a visit if you are interested in art that celebrates the unique experiences of African women. The exhibition is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in art and the unique perspectives that women bring to the world of art and culture. Don’t miss your chance to see it before it closes on July 31st!
