What I Do:
I create multimedia installations that explore the ways people connect to their surroundings and to one another. My work encourages viewers to reflect on their relationships, question societal norms, and consider alternative ways of living. At its core, my practice emphasizes our deep interdependence and examines the societal divisions we often create ourselves. Through my art, I aim to inspire empathy, openness, and understanding, fostering dialogue and collaboration to build a more unified and compassionate world.
Why I Do It:
Growing up in West-Africa, I was just a boy like any other: eating, dancing, and playing half-naked on the streets. These formative years were filled with vibrant street life, the smell of rain, the red soil, and the warmth of extended family. Life felt simple, joyful, and deeply connected.
While I was always aware of my differences, like the color of my skin, I never viewed these physical traits as barriers; they were simply part of who I was, just as everyone is uniquely different, enriching our shared humanity.
However, when I moved to the Netherlands, everying changed. My sense of belonging faded as I was confronted with questions of identity, cultural differences, and my place in a more individualistic society. Despite holding a Dutch passport, I often felt disconnected from the Dutch identity. This dissonance ignited a deep curiosity within me, an urge to explore the contrasts between different ways of living, to question what it truly means to belong, to live together, and to find my place in this intricate and fragmented world.
How I Do It:
I immerse myself in communities that value collective belonging, the “we” I remember from my childhood. These are often individuals who, like me, feel like outsiders in dominant cultural contexts but find meaningful connection through shared experiences. By observing, engaging in dialogue, and documenting their lives, I explore how they cultivate and sustain this sense of community.
