Boris Nzebo

Presentation

Boris Nzebo is a visual artist born in 1979 in Port-Gentil, Gabon, who currently lives and works in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon. Boris Nzebo has created a portrait of the social and political life of Douala, Cameroon's largest city. His art is urban and tells the stories of a city. Nzebo's art is inspired by the sounds, lifestyle and social conditions of Douala. The artist's quest always starts with a particular element. Nzebo explores hairstyles in human life as a means of showing social rank and cultural belonging. Born in Port-Gentil, Gabon, Nzebo graduated in 1979 and now lives and works in Douala. He began his artistic career painting store signs with his brother. Boris studied graphic arts, encouraged by his father to become an artist. Above all, inspiration came quickly. His artistic education took place in direct contact with the most influential local artists. Self-taught, he worked with artists such as Koko Komégné, Hervé Yamguen and Goddy Leye. The artist explores different media, mixing video, photography and performance. In addition, artistic projects lead him to exchange ideas with other leading voices in contemporary art. In particular, he assists Faouzi Laatiris, a Moroccan artist whose creations range from sculpture to installation and public space. He also works with Alto Malinda, an eclectic creator whose striking performances are linked to the theme of African identity and often focus on issues of the LGBT community. In June 2009, the artist exhibited his work at Jeunes Regards Urbains at doual'art alongside Cameroonian artists Man Faust and Landry Mbassi. Her participation in this landmark exhibition is further testimony to the artist's commitment to representing West Africa's urban identity.