In a recent Zoom call, Sesse Elangwe described his debut solo exhibition as his “Coming to America” story. Born in Buea, Cameroon, the visual artist dreamed of a life of new possibilities. His journey west led him through Virginia to San Antonio, Texas, and the stark contrasts quickly reminded Elangwe that he was a world away from home.
In “Dawn”, Elangwe reconciles the parallels and differences between home and his new environments. The body of work consists of seventeen paintings documenting his observations about the cultural identity, history, and experiences of Black communities.
Courtesy of Sesse Elangwe and Mitochondria Gallery
Often described by the artist as “afro pop”, Sesse Elangwe’s artwork meets at the intersection of surrealism and pop art. The figures pierce the portraits’ foreground with striking black skin tones complemented by vividly colored hair styles. His use of texture is best highlighted in the clothing through intricate fabrics folds, as well as bold colors and patterns. The portraits’ landscape backgrounds serve as markers of his migration, including a national monument, a Mobil gas station, and a residential area littered with abandoned cars that remind Elangwe of his hometown.
Identifying the distinctions between “here and there” creates a thoughtful engagement with the artwork. In “Our Own Lane” a young man stands pensively in front of a McDonald’s drive-thru. Suddenly, the “Coming to America” reference makes more sense – Cameroon is one of the countries that does not have a single golden arches fast food restaurant.
Courtesy of Sesse Elangwe and Mitochondria Gallery
Throughout the exhibit, each subject meets viewers with a contemplative gaze, emphasized by one enlarged eye – the artist’s preferred symbolism for enlightenment. Elangwe uses the large eye to pull audiences in and compel them to unpack their limiting beliefs about the social, political, and historical significance of Black communities.
To confront these ideas, Elangwe explores the intentional omission of Black people’s contributions to American history and culture and its impact on the global portrayal of Blackness. The subject in “We Were Always Present” is imposed in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. wearing a patterned blazer and red baseball cap. Viewers can vaguely identify the rendering of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial – a statue honoring the Civil War Commander of the Union Armies who also served as a two-term President.
Courtesy of Sesse Elangwe and Mitochondria Gallery
In “20 Miles” – one of my personal favorites – Elangwe celebrates the rich history of Black cowboy culture. The portrait depicts a couple leaning against a vintage white Cadillac Deville wearing vivid African mud print jackets and cowboy hats. The juxtaposition is a distinct nod to the African diaspora.
Courtesy of Sesse Elangwe and Mitochondria Gallery
Learning of the global impact and influence of Black people worldwide allowed Elangwe to abandon disillusion and embrace the possibilities of self-determination. During the exhibit’s Artist Talk, co-hosted by art advisors Moriah Alise and Kendra Walker, he insisted that these stories are important for all people to know, especially those of the African diaspora, because it reframes the narrative of what “can be.”
“One must be aware of the things they inherently know and use that knowledge as a catalyst to thrust them into pursuit of hope for realization of personal freedom.”
Sesse Elangwe
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
Final Thoughts on “Dawn”
Sesse Elangwe’s migration to the United States is a tale of self-discovery, and “Dawn” is vulnerably introspective. He speaks of his art with the unwavering confidence of an artist who’s discovered the transformative powers of defining one’s self through personal development and collective community empowerment.
When asked what message he hoped this collection best conveyed, he boldly declared, “it doesn’t matter where you find yourself, you as an individual need to make a difference! Keep your eyes on the bigger things that can change your life.”
Sesse Elangwe’s “Dawn” is on view at Mitochondria Gallery in Houston, Texas through February 18th.
Want to keep up with my travel, food, and art adventures? Follow me on Instagram (click any of the images below) and subscribe to my Black Girl Meets World newsletter.
