Romuald Dikoume

Presentation

Romuald Dikoume, born on June 19, 1986, in Douala, is a multidisciplinary artist who continues to live and work in the city. His artistic journey began in 2002 when he joined the Maison des Jeunes et des Cultures (MJC), where he participated in a workshop organized by UNICEF focused on the behavioral analysis of youth living with HIV. This experience allowed him to connect with more seasoned artists like Éric Delphin and Joe Kessy, who played a pivotal role in his artistic development. In 2007, Romuald moved to Bonendale, a neighborhood in Douala, to collaborate with prominent figures in the art scene, such as Goddy Leye and Joël Mpah Dooh, on local projects like Sweet Holiday and fesborap, which highlight the culture and social concerns of their community. His work is characterized by labyrinthine curves and distinctive marks, symbolizing his deep desire to define his own artistic identity. Since 2008, Romuald has participated in numerous group exhibitions and workshops, primarily in Douala at renowned spaces such as Galerie MAM, doual’art, and the Spanish embassy, as well as in Yaoundé at the Institut Français and the Goethe Institute. Furthermore, his work has crossed borders, including a performance at the Gabonese International Theater Festival in 2013. That same year, he was commissioned to produce a photographic report for the prestigious Tate Modern in London, showcasing his commitment to significant projects. In November 2014, Romuald was invited to participate in the souar-souar International Dance Festival in Chad, serving as both a performer and photographer, demonstrating his versatility and ability to transcend artistic boundaries. His unique artistic approach has enabled him to capture powerful visual narratives that speak to the social and cultural realities of contemporary Africa. Beyond his personal journey, Dikoume's engagement in community projects and his willingness to explore themes of identity and resilience through his art place him among the most promising artists on the African scene. His practice, which blends performance, photography, and visual arts, reflects an ongoing quest for meaning and connection in an ever-evolving world.