Daniel Onguene

Presentation

Born in 1995 in Bafoussam, Cameroon, and currently residing in Douala, this artist has made a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. The work titled **WILDEST DREAMS** reflects a historical perspective on the independence movement in Africa, which occurred about sixty years ago and paved the way for the establishment of the continent's first fine arts schools, individual and collective exhibitions, festivals, and other cultural events. The excitement of newfound freedom, sometimes attained at great cost, sparked nationalist movements and a return to roots, which resonated throughout the continent. This fervent sentiment translated into artworks that could be admired from Dakar to Yaoundé and Brazzaville. Africa was proud, finally able to assert its voice in the global arena, and its identity became a wellspring of pride, inspiring a belief in a brighter future. Fast forward a generation, and many of the initial jubilations have faded. Conflicts have emerged, African unity is fragmented, and the pursuit of development raises significant concerns among the populace. The rural exodus wreaks havoc, exacerbated by a pervasive sense of indifference and fatalism. The countryside, plagued by various human and environmental disasters, is rapidly emptying as people flock to cities that are ill-equipped to accommodate such large populations. Urban residents face escalating challenges as unchecked urbanization spirals out of control. Basic infrastructure, including electrical and sanitation networks, struggles to cope with the overwhelming strain of disorganization and neglect. Furthermore, the few existing industries, often referred to as “white elephants” by the artist, have faltered due to the impact of "structural adjustments" and sweeping liberalization policies that have opened borders to foreign production, especially from China, leaving local sectors to grapple for survival. It is this disenchanted Africa that young artists like Alexis Daniel ONGUENE TASSI seek to portray. At just twenty-eight years old, he has emerged as a remarkable talent within the continent's artistic landscape. Although he earned his master's degree in visual arts and art history, specializing in painting, only four years ago from the Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Douala in Nkongsamba, ONGUENE TASSI demonstrates an impressive mastery of his craft. His talents first came to light when he was awarded recognition by the Jack BELL Gallery in London at the age of twenty for a competition aimed at art schools across Africa. He continued to showcase his work in some of the best galleries in Cameroon, including Galerie MAM in 2017, under the curation of Simon NJAMI. His debut exhibition in Europe took place at OOA GALLERY in June 2021, leading to further participation in prestigious events such as 1-54 London and ART X Lagos within the same year. He is now set to return to Barcelona for an exhibition in June 2023 and will also make another appearance at ART X in Lagos. As he gains experience and refines his technique, ONGUENE TASSI revisits the theme "Adventure between the ruins," which he describes as an exploration of the informal sector's emergence in Africa. Against the backdrop of a chaotic world, he captures the lives of anonymous “heroes,” depicted in a highly figurative style, who relentlessly strive to survive through various odd jobs, provoking reflection on how they manage to sustain themselves and their families. There is a profound empathy in ONGUENE TASSI's work, evoking both affection and respect for his subjects. His characters maintain dignity, often appearing dynamic and resilient, rendered in vibrant and bold colors that stand in contrast to the harsh realities they face. The titles of his pieces, along with the stories they convey, hold significant meaning, especially one featuring a young man carrying a tray of food with the haunting phrase "My future on my head." Among his latest creations, one particularly stands out: **"The Dreamer."** Set against a more colorful backdrop, it depicts a young man standing tall with a spear, symbolizing strength and determination. Unlike the other characters, he embodies hope and innovation, hinting at advancements in biogas production, and his glasses resemble a virtual reality headset. This work conveys an inspiring message of faith and optimism for a future that blends technology with reality. It presents a vision of a world where aspirations can be realized, inviting viewers to engage with a talented and relatable artist who continues to capture the essence of contemporary African life through his art. List of shows and art fairs 2023 - Group Show "Reviving the Spirit ! Who said figurative African art is dead ?" – OOA GALLERY – Barcelona, Spain - "Wildest dreams", Solo show , OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery), Barcelona, Spain 2022 - "AFRICA RISES IN FALL", OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery), Barcelona, Spain - "What Lies Within Us", Group Show, Maddox Gallery, Westbourne Grove, London, UK - "Smiling and Suffering", Duo Show - Matthew Eguavoen & Daniel Onguene, OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery), Barcelona, Spain - Out of Africa Gallery at ART X Lagos 2022, OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery) 2021 - "Everyday heroes" - Duo show Abdias Ngateu & Daniel Onguene, OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery), Barcelona, Spain - ART X Lagos 2021, OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery) - 1-54 London 2021, OOA GALLERY (Out of Africa Gallery) 2020 - "Urbana facta", galerie du carré, Bonapriso Douala Cameroun - "Art 2020, patrimoine contemporain", espace Doual’art Bonanjo, Douala Cameroun 2019 - The kay Galerie Any KADJI Bonapriso, Douala, Cameroun 2018 - "Mooving frontiers, do an undo/faire et défaire", Paris France (restitution de l’exposition organisée au à Douala au Cameroun en 2017) 2017 - "Mooving frontiers, do an undo/faire et défaire", Douala Cameroun (projet post master incluant les étudiants diplômés de l’école nationale supérieure d’art de paris Cergy, assistés par les étudiants de l’institut des beaux-arts de l’université de Douala à Nkongsamba, en partenariat avec l’institut français du Cameroun et le centre d’art contemporain Doual’art), - Salon Urbain de Douala (SUD 2017), la place de l’humain, exposition off Avis de tsunami, Galerie du carré des artistes douala Cameroun, - "Who are my people", gallery MAM, à l’issue du projet “atwork chapter 9”, commissarié par Simon Njami. 2015 - Jack bell gallery art price Londres Angleterre (à la faveur d’un concours d’art ouvert aux écoles d’arts du continent africain)