Jean-David Nkot

Jean-David Nkot (born 1985) is a Cameroonian artist. Quotes I had never even read a book before, But art presented itself to me and I simply followed it, without knowing where the story was going to end it takes a dose of human sensitivity to give life to my creations Society offers me to be the mirror that will allow them to get their message across. without this society my creation has no meaning or life I’m inviting an awareness necessary to free the world from these dehumanizing practices My own condition as a child has been an important source of inspiration for my artistic adventure We’re living in a world that is transforming, and that transformation speaks to me and concerns me Jean David NkotThe Cameroonian artist’s portraits laid over maps 30 March 2020 What I do know is that before being an artist, I am a human being who lives in a society, in a space in a changing world I want things to change and I need to talk about it, make this problem visible and create dialogue spaces to discuss it Art offers us the possibility and the means, both ideological and aesthetic, to say things that speak to everyone, and this is at this specific moment that my artistic practice takes place The 1-54 Interview Series: Jean-David Nkot from Afikaris n.d I want to show how in this society, human bodies are used for exploitation by the system, in total indifference This is just to remind the viewer that violence and exploitation which affects human beings, always occur in a specific environment, in a specific place I know that it also takes a lot of luck to succeed in an artistic career I did not choose art, art chose me — Nkot 10 April 2023 Art wasn’t something I imagined doing in my life In my beginnings, I was focusing on the sorrow of my characters. Now, I emphasize their struggle, rather than their pain I learned to go beyond appearances For me, the human condition gathers the inequalities existing between individuals 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. I denounce the borders and the marginalization of the poor I need to document the story of these people who are more considered “undesirables” than human beings. aim to restore their humanity and to pay tribute to their courage and fight I want to shake consciences and make people question what is happening in the world My art sheds light on people that history will never talk about I want to show the combat of these people who are fighting for a better life Art offers us the possibility and the means, both ideologically and aesthetically, to say things that speak to everyone As an artist, I would like to immortalize changes. Hence, no one is ignorant of what has taken place during the period in question My work will not necessarily change this world. However, if it manages to cast the doubt, to open the debate, and to question the way we see others and the relationships binding us, I think it would be a good start. I want to highlight how African countries are being deprived of their natural resources I would not go as far as saying that I’m an activist. What I do know is that before being an artist, I am a human being who lives in a society, in a space, in a changing world. Thus, transformation is a subject that speaks to me and concerns me. I call for neither pity nor compassion and praise the abnegation and strength of the anonymous people I paint I want things to change and I need to talk about it to make these problems visible and to create spaces for dialogue, to discuss them I’m interested in the moments of joy and capture the smiles behind the suffering Jean David Nkot 7 June 2021 If I used to focus on the pain and suffering of my characters, now, I put forward their resilience and strength Artists are successful when their work creates a positive impact on others Interview: Jean David Nkot 2 December 2021 Category:1985 births Category:Artists from Cameroon Category:Living people