The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art once again celebrates African creativity with the exhibition ‘Stronger Together’ by Cameroonian artist Barthélémy Toguo, opening to the public on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Barthélémy Toguo, Hands on head, 2024. Acrylique, encre de Chine sur toile| Acrylic, Chinese ink on canvas, 200 x 200cm. Courtesy of Bandjoun Station et Galerie 38.
A major figure in international contemporary art, Barthélémy Toguo weaves a tapestry of dialogue and harmony between his artistic universe and Moroccan culture.
The exhibition title resonates as a vibrant call for solidarity among peoples, generations, artists, and artisans; a fundamental concept that enriches Toguo’s work, embodying values such as fraternity, reciprocity, unity, and cooperation that are dear to him. «Stronger Together» unveils over a hundred previously unseen works created by Barthélémy Toguo in Morocco, immersed deeply in its culture and craftsmanship. Paintings, drawings, ceramics, tapestries, and zellige tiles compose a remarkable visual ensemble blending ancient traditions with contemporary inspirations.
Alongside these creations, videos of performances and a significant installation dedicated to Bandjoun Station-a center for art and artist residencies founded by Toguo in Cameroon-invite the public to explore the artist’s rich universe and his commitment to the African continent. A documentary enriches the exhibition, tracing key stages of his career and exploring the subjects that inspire and concern him.
Drawing inspiration from nature, dreams, and contemporary socio-political reality, Barthélémy Toguo is a deeply engaged artist who creates works of profound humanity. This exhibition is curated by Androula Michael and Abdelaziz El Idrissi and organized by the National Foundation of Museums and Barthélémy Toguo.
Barthélémy Toguo, a renowned contemporary artist, has crafted this exhibition under the theme of dialogue with Moroccan culture. The exhibition title alludes to solidarity, a core value for the artist, encompassing brotherhood, reciprocity, unity, and cooperation. Toguo advocates for solidarity among people, generations, artists, and artisans to celebrate beauty and prevent social ills. Using various artistic techniques, he creates a harmonious and united world, demonstrating the power of art to influence. William Morris’s words, “an artist is born in the workshop of the world through centuries of learning,” resonate with Toguo, who embraces this aesthetic legacy and reinterprets it in his unique artistic language. Engaging deeply with Moroccan craft techniques, Toguo presents his work in traditional forms such as ceramics, rugs, and zellige. He draws inspiration from nature, dreams, and the social and political realities of our time.
As a deeply committed artist, Toguo confronts the harshness of the world, addressing injustices, discrimination, and the exile experienced by many impoverished individuals, prompting him to create profoundly humane works. Visitors are invited to explore numerous recent works created in Morocco specifically for this exhibition, accompanied by a documentary and performance videos. The exhibition features Bandjoun Station, an art center and artist residency in the ouest of Cameroun with a unique ecological and social project, reflecting Toguo’s deep commitment to the African continent.
The exhibition will be. onview form the 10th of July until the 29th of August, 2024. For more information, please visit Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rabat.
