Barthélémy Toguo: Faith Can Move Mountains

IF NOT NOW WHEN?

In his artistic practice, Barthélémy Toguo (*1967) poses highly topical questions about identity and social belonging and thematises migration, flight, displacement and the restrictions that result from territorial borders and sovereignty politics. Against the backdrop of his dual Cameroonian-French citizenship, he adopts an explicitly anti-Eurocentric stance. His attention is focussed on the causes of ecological upheavals and their social consequences. Keywords in this context are Lack of drinking and industrial water, undesirable developments in agriculture, the effects of climate change, corruption, war, lack of economic development prospects, etc. In his works, be they paintings, drawings, sculptures, performances or installations, he combines the human with nature: "What guides me is a constantly evolving aesthetic, but also a sense of ethics that makes a difference and structures my entire approach." The book shows new works created especially for the Esslingen exhibition, remakes and adapted installations and presents a small retrospective overview of the artist's work.

Exhibition:
Villa Merkel Gallery of the City of Esslingen, 7/8 - 23/10/2022