Individuality in Evolution

An Odyssey of Identity, exhibition curated by Céline Azem and hosted at the Firetti Contemporary Gallery of Dubai, presents the works of seven contemporary African artists - Boris Anje, Carson Buka, Halim Flowers, Kansiime Brian Lister, Christine Nyatho, Florence Nanteza and Collin Sekajugo. Paintings, collages and mixed-technique works explore the concept of identity and its continuous evolution. “I want to give value to the black body, I’m trying to give some kind of attention, some kind of attraction, to the person of color.” This is a statement of intent from Boris Anje, an artist from Cameroon for whom this exhibition, which hosts his intense and brightly-coloured portraits, also marks the start of his collaboration with the gallery. Among his privileged subjects are the so-called "sapeur" belonging to "La Sape" (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes), the socio-cultural movement born at the start of the last century in Brazaville in Congo - African dandies who love to dress in the high fashions of European stylists with a touch of elegant eccentricity to make them really stand out. While capturing their essence, Anje takes on current social themes, such as the pandemia and racial discrimination.