Driven by a passion for painting and colour since his youth, Cameroonian artist, Franco Ndiba allows nature and the individual to tell stories of sensuality, connection and beauty that are often drowned out in today's fast paced society. His works of art transform not only spaces, but spirits, and inspire new perspectives and encounters - in and with nature.
If you have any questions about Franco Ndiba's work or any of our other new releases, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what drew you to becoming an artist?
FN. I was passionate about drawing from a very young age. While working as a fishmonger in my neighbourhood, I met artist Nga Daybor, who had noticed my drawings and invited me into his studio.
I discovered painting, learned more drawing and screen printing techniques, and in 2007, I entered the art scene in Cameroon with my first exhibit, Etoile de l'unité.
Q. Your works showcase captivating figurative subjects with a variety of elements from culture to lifestyle to nature, causing the viewer to wonder. Can you give us some insight on the subjects and influences to your art?
FN. The subjects addressed in my works have no personal relationship with a third person, and the elements that may intervene can be explicit or explainable. I simply let myself be guided and oriented by my state of mind, thoughts and imagination. The objective here is to invite everyone into my universe, so they can identify within. And behind all the works lies a major issue; nature in each work, for me, is a way of paying homage to the biodiversity of the forests, trees, plants and flowers, destroyed for various reasons.
nature and life ii
a chacun son style
Q. What would you want a collector to take away after viewing your work? FN: For a collector, I would like that they not consider me as someone who comes to raise awareness or criticize, but instead, makes their own interpretation. Once they do this, they will know what to do with my artwork.
Q. Pick three words you would use to describe your journey as an artist so far? FN: Three words that I would use are PASSION, WILL and DETERMINATION.
