Angèle Etoundi Essamba : A-FIL-IATIONS

November 29 - December 16

Born in Douala, Cameroon in 1962 and educated in France, photographer Angèle Etoundi Essamba is a graduate of the Dutch Photography School in Amsterdam, where she currently resides. Essamba is an artist committed to a reflection on the identity of the African woman. She joins the spirit of humanist photography with a strong attachment to the values of communion, observing the world through the women she photographs.

Essamba’s work lies at the intersection of the social/gender and the artistic field. She aesthetically records a vision of the African woman and African culture, giving a new interpretation of contemporary Africa. In her work, she breaks from stereotypical representations of an Africa torn by famines, epidemics, and wars, instead choosing to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of the continent. Her photography practice challenges conventional representations of women, by giving her subjects meaning and grandeur, while simultaneously exploring the relationship between tradition and modernity. Essamba’s work is encompassed by the words pride, strength, and awareness which she conveys through the regal poses and fearless gazes of the subjects she captures. She focuses exclusively on what individuals radiate outward, whether alone, as a couple, or in a group. In this universe that is hers alone, she controls color with the same artistry as black and white, she masters contrast with a sure touch and handles shadow and light with dexterity and audacity.

Since her first exhibition in 1985, her work has been frequently exhibited in museums, institutions, biennales, art fairs, and galleries across the globe. Her photographs are held in private and public collections, including the MoMa, World Bank Art Programme, the Memphis Brooks Museum, the Hood Museum Dartmouth College, the Tampa Museum, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, and the Herbert Johnson Museum of Art Cornell University. In 2016 she was awarded the 'National Knight of the Order of Valor' by the President of the Republic of Cameroon.

LAURA DAY WEBB - Curator

Laura Day Webb holds a Masters in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She is an independent curator and art consultant based in NYC. Her curatorial practice examines contemporary art outside of the Western canon that has historically been overlooked and underrepresented, with a particular focus on women and African artists. Current and past shows include "We Contain Multitudes" (NYC Culture Club, November 2022), featuring works by Jessica Atieno, Prudence Chimutuwah, Angèle Etoundi Essamba, Muna Malik, Zina Saro-Wiwa, Florence Wangui, and Beatrice Wanjiku, photographer Angèle Etoundi Essamba’s first New York solo exhibition, "A-FIL-IATIONS" (Montague Contemporary, October 2022) and "The Art of Resilience" (High Line Nine Gallery, September 2021), featuring works by Paul Onditi, Pie Herring, Joel Kioko, Charlie V. Rose, Migwa Nthiga, Elias Mung’ora, Dennis Muraguri, and Anyango Mpinga. A portion of sales from the exhibition went to support UNESCO world heritage site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

MONTAGUE CONTEMPORARY

Montague Contemporary recognizes the importance of changing the narrative of African art and of building a new shared counter-history. By championing unique perspectives and diverse identities in an accessible and engaging way, we aim to foster a new dialogue between audience and artist. Likewise, through innovative shared experiences, international fairs, and dedicated group and solo shows, we hope to bring increased exposure to the exciting world of contemporary African art.