Jean David Nkot

Biography of Jean David Nkot

Jean David Nkot (b. 1989, Douala, Cameroon). In 2010, he got a painting A-level at the Institute of Artistic Training of Mbalmayo (IFA) before joining the Institute of Fine Arts Foumban, where he obtained a degree in drawing/painting. In 2017 he joined the Post Master Moving Frontiers organized by the National School of Arts of Paris-Cergy (France) on the theme of borders. Throughout his training in the fine arts of Foumban, he received several artistic distinctions (Best sculptor, installer and painter). Conscious of what his elders can bring him he is frequently in the workshops of Hervé Youmbi, Salifou Lindou, Jean Jacques Kanté, Pascal Kenfack, Ruth Belinga.

Interview with Jean David Nkot

Hi Jean David, welcome at UltraContemporaries.com. Can you introduce yourself as an artist? How did you begin and where are you at the moment?

My name is Jean David Nkot. I am a Cameroonian visual artist. My work follows the depiction of the human condition as a guideline. If it tackles different issues and explores various topics, it always sheds light on humans to inspire the viewers by showing them other life trajectories. In the beginning, I never thought to become an artist, I was a handyman but art was not something I imagined doing in my life. But growing up, art started to become more and more important to me, to express my frustration about what I observed in society. In 2006, when I joined the Mbalmayo Artistic Formation Institute, art became a vocation.
I’m currently working in my studio in Douala.

Can you help our readers understand better the themes of your works?

My work used to focus on migration. However, it was a way to depict the human condition. Thus, it is not all about migration but more about the human condition. For me, the human condition gathers the inequalities existing between individuals. This notion also includes the way they consider each other.
For a year now, my work explores the topic of raw materials to depict this human condition. I show the global scope of a situation that is nonetheless localized: the extraction of minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, by highlighting all the actors involved. I question- where the raw materials extracted in Africa go and who benefits from them. In a way, through my artworks, I regret the exploitation of the soil by human beings, whilst underlining the
strength of those who fight every day for a better life in an adverse environment.

What’s your favourite medium and why?

I am mainly a painter using acrylic and posca on canvas. However, I often explore new creative paths. To that extend, you can sometimes spot in my work collage or silkscreen printing. If painting is my mere way of expression, I also do installations and sculptures. Whatever the technique I’m using, they all echo and complete each other. They propose a new reading of the topic I explore.
Figurative painting allows me to convey directly my messages. It is, in a way, more striking because the viewers are facing the reality I want them to take into consideration and pay attention to.

You come from Cameroon; how difficult has been for you to emerge as an artist?

The Cameroonian art scene is in a cultural effervescence, with a multiplicity of statements exposed. It’s a young and dynamic scene. It was not the case before when only Cameroonian artists from the diaspora -such as Pascale Marthine Tayou or Barthélémy Toguo- had worldwide visibility. However, since 2011, with the success of the art school, we can observe a real artistic dynamic. These schools are full of talented young artists who propose meaningful work.
Thus, I had the chance to start as an artist at a time when the art scene in Cameroon was already enjoying a certain international visibility. I quickly started to work with galleries in Europe and I had the opportunity to do a Master’s degree in Paris-Cergy as well a residency in Cité Internationale des Arts.

Do you think art can change society and how?

I think art can change society. Art offers us the possibility and the means, both ideologically and aesthetically, to say things that speak to everyone. It is at this specific moment that my artistic practice takes place. I use these tools to draw attention to this time of change. As an artist, I would like to immortalize changes. Hence, no one is ignorant of what has taken place during the period in question.

What should change in the art world in your opinion?

The art world needs to stop considering contemporary artists from Africa as contemporary African artists, but as artists in themselves. Borders need to be erased in the art world. All the artists are artists no matter where they come from. Labels should no longer exist.

What has really helped your carrier so far?

The people I have met helped me a lot in my career. I trusted them and listened to their advices. But also, my abnegation in work helped me. I am a very hard worker. I never give up and push my ideas the further I can.

Any long term goals you would like to achieve?

On a longterm perspective, I would like to help other artists by including them in my projects. I want to build a big studio where I could welcome younger artists and help them to develop their practice by befitting from my experiences.

What suggestions would you give to other young artists from emerging or underveloped areas of the world?

I would recommend staying humble, listening to any advice, and above all listening to themselves.
No matter where they come from, work always pays.

Any very young artists we should really interview?

I would recommend to interview Daniel Onguene.

Your moment to add any final thoughts or messages for the readers…

To conclude this interview, I would say that it is important to believe in your dreams. Everything is
possible no matter the time it takes.