Boris Nzebo
Biography
Boris Nzebo began his journey in Libreville, Gabon, before moving to Cameroon, where he initially created custom signs for hairdressing and beauty salons. This early experience in commercial painting profoundly influenced his artistic identity. Transitioning to full-time art in the early 2000s, Nzebo honed his skills as a self-taught artist in Douala under the mentorship of pioneering artists such as Koko Komégné and Hervé Yamguen. He further developed his craft during a residency at ArtBakery in Bonendale near Douala in 2007, where he experimented with various mediums including video, photography, and performance art. Nzebo immersed himself in the works of internationally acclaimed artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat, drawing inspiration and influence.
His exploration of urban hairstyles as a reflection of social status, cultural identity, and personal expression forms the core of his thematic focus. Nzebo's work questions the dichotomy of societal concerns versus personal aesthetics, using the metaphor of hair care to comment on broader social issues. His art often juxtaposes the silhouettes of young women against backgrounds depicting everyday life, highlighting contrasts between personal and communal spaces.
Nzebo's debut exhibition took place in Douala in April 2008, featuring works that addressed themes of women's emancipation inspired by Nigerian singer Fela Ramson Kuti. His participation in the "Jeunes Regards Urbains" exhibition at doual’art in June 2009, alongside other emerging Cameroonian artists, marked the beginning of his visibility on the international art scene. Since then, Nzebo has been involved in numerous exhibitions globally, including significant showcases in Paris, Berlin, and at Art Paris Art Fair.
His solo exhibitions, "In & Out of my head" at SUD2010 in Douala and another at the Institut Français in Yaoundé in 2011, further established his reputation. In 2013, his work was featured at ART DUBAI by doual’art, capturing international acclaim and leading to collaborations with galleries in London, which have presented his work in various group exhibitions and art fairs worldwide.
