Barthélémy Toguo (1967) tackles pressing questions of identity and societal belonging in his artistic practice, focusing on themes such as migration, escape, expulsion, and the myriad restrictions stemming from territorial borders and sovereignist policies.
With his dual Franco-Cameroonian nationality as a backdrop, he adopts an explicitly anti-Eurocentric stance. His attention is drawn to the root causes of ecological degradation and their societal repercussions. Key issues in this context include water scarcity, both in terms of drinking water and industrial usage, agricultural mismanagement, the impacts of climate change, corruption, war, and the absence of prospects for economic development, among others.
He intertwines human and natural elements in his works, whether through painting, drawing, sculpture, performances, or installations: "What guides me is an aesthetic of continuous development, but also an ethical sense that makes a difference and structures my entire approach."
The book showcases works specially created for the Esslingen exhibition, as well as remakes and adapted installations. Both the book and the exhibition offer a brief retrospective overview of the artist's body of work.
21 x 28 cm
128 pages
