Barthélémy ToguoFaith Can Move Mountains

In his artistic practice Barthélémy Toguo (*1967) raises highly topical questions of identity and social belonging and addresses migration, flight, displacement and those restrictions that arise from territorial borders and the politics of sovereignty. Against the background of his dual Cameroonian-French citizenship, he adopts an explicitly anti-Eurocentric stance. His attention is directed towards the causes of ecological upheaval and their consequences for society. Keywords in this context are: shortages of drinking water and water for domestic use, misguided developments in agriculture, the effects of climate change, corruption, war, a lack of economic prospects for development, and so on. In his works, whether they are to be assigned to painting, drawing, sculpture, performance or installation, he connects 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 works newly created especially for the Esslingen exhibition, remakes and adapted installations, and presents a small retrospective overview of the artist’s work.

Exhibition:
Villa Merkel Galerie der Stadt Esslingen, 7/8 – 23/10/2022