Cameroonian arts through a socio-cultural, economic and political lens

A “Western” view of African history would say that it is largely oral, or in some cases written, as is the case for peoples with a written language. Yet for many African peoples, traditionally the collective memory is kept and transmitted through the diverse languages of various art forms, including sculpture, painting, architecture, songs, tales, epics, etc. Artists consciously or unconsciously record and interpret the events of daily life through specific media. Nowadays contemporary art space is dominated by multi-disciplinary forms that incorporate visual art, performing arts (dance, theater music), and film. Art can provide a means of seeing and understanding the cultural and political context from which it emerges. This is certainly the case in Cameroon, a country currently beset by national identity crises and conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions, terrorism in the North region, and opposition to the regime in place. The nation as a whole suffers scourges such as terrible, fatal road accidents, organized crime, and drug abuse. Artists and students at the institutes of fine arts are reflecting and interpreting the situation around them in their work, which is often misunderstood by audiences who see them as madmen and thugs. This is indicative of a public that does not always understand art—its inspiration and its cultural meaning and importance.