Ajarb Bernard Ategwa Kumba, Cameroon, b. 1988

Ategwa’s paintings draw on subjects from a neighbourhood photo studio, offering a local perspective on modes of self-representation in Cameroon today. Both style and composition in these images recall African black and white studio photography from the post-independence era, while Ategwa’s use of framing and strong, defined identities references contemporary influences from social media platforms.

Ategwa lives and works in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and a vibrant and colourful metropolis. Moving between the taxi stands, newsagents, bars, roadside markets and fleeting moments of respite, the artist paints snapshots of everyday life while his vivid colour palette and graphic style speak the language of advertising familiar to Douala’s inhabitants. 

Exhibitions include the Cameroon National Museum, curated by Simon Njami.

His work has been acquired by the Chazen Museum of Art, Wisconsin and the Perez Art Museum Miami.