Cameroon's Bolo Unveils RACINES

Bolo 'Espace Art and Culture, in partnership with the Institute of Fine Arts of the University of Douala, Nkongsamba, has announced the inaugural edition of Racine's (Roots), a group exhibition celebrating the next generation of Cameroonian contemporary artists. 

The exhibition carries an inspiring theme: The Future Has Roots. Running from July 10 to August 31, 2026, Racines will showcase the works of nine promising artists: Alice Mbappe, Théophile Takam, Duchesse Djuiko, John Tchami, Nelson Obiang, Franklin Manga, Briand Fosso, Daryl Tchuente, and Ivanelle Madaha. Each artist presents a unique visual language, reflecting the diversity and vitality of contemporary artistic practice in Cameroon.

The exhibition also marks the debut of the Racines Prize, designed to encourage excellence among emerging artists. Three awards will be presented during the opening ceremony: the Bolo Contemporary Vision Prize, the Institute of Fine Arts Plastic Research Prize, and the Justine Gaga Prize, dedicated to promoting female artistic creativity.

An esteemed jury comprising Professor Fandio, Edith Mbella, Justine Gaga, Hervé Yamguen, Arnold Fokam, and Guy Woueté will evaluate the participating artists and announce the winners during the vernissage.

Organisers describe Racine's as more than an exhibition; it is a platform for discovering future leaders of contemporary African art. By supporting young talent at the beginning of their careers, Bolo 'Espace Art and Culture aims to demonstrate that while museums celebrate established artists, institutions and cultural spaces play a crucial role in revealing tomorrow's artistic voices.

The exhibition opens with a public vernissage on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at BOLO L'Espace Art and Culture, Rue 2727, angle Rue 2808, Entrée Station Neptune Ngodi, derrière Santa Lucia Akwa, Immeuble Transcom Voyage, Bolo Résidence, Douala, Cameroon. The exhibition will run from July 10 to August 31, 2026.