La clairière d’Eza Boto - Opus II Val de la Seine “They were going to experienced another city”

Entitled Val de La Seine, this moment of exchange is a laboratory of ideas around the work of Mongo Beti and more particularly the review "Peuples noirs – Peuples Africains" (1978-1991).

The participating artists go up the Seine by barge from Le Havre to Rouen. In addition to the strong and very present symbolism of the river in Cruel City, the Seine, major river communication axis, is at the heart of the history of Normandy and its encounter with the African continent.

This river route brings together artists, curators and actors of contemporary creation around reflections initiated by the work of Mongo Beti.

Participants:  Jean-Michel Dissake (Cameroun), Becky Beh Mpala (Cameroun), Euridice Kala (Mozambique) & Teo Betin (France), Saeid Malek (Tunisie), Hervé Yamguen (Cameroun), Alain Polo Nzuzi (RDC), Beya Gille-Gacha (France - Cameroun)

Curator: Yves Chatap (Cameroun), art critic

About La clairière d'Eza Boto:

« La clairière d’Eza Boto » (Eza Boto's clearing) is considered a reflective work around the well-known book "Cruel City" by Mongo Beti aka Eza Boto, publishe in 1954.

Born in 1932 in Akométam near Yaoundé under the name of Biyidi-Awala Alexandre, Mongo Beti published the new "Sans haine et sans amour" in 1953, then "Cruel City" in 1954 under the same pseudonym of Eza Boto. He, who will use various nicknames during his career, will no longer use this pseudonym of Eza Boto. Mongo Beti’s work is linked to his exile of more than 30 years in the city of Rouen, where he worked as a French teacher. This essential author of African intellectual literature has unfortunately not found recognition in France. The story of Mongo Beti, between chosen and imposed exile, invites everyone to consider artistic development as revolted or suffered times. Mobile and plural, this programmation includes exhibitions on several sites in Normandy and a river residency for international artists on the Seine river. Four Opus nourish this artistic reflection.

This program of meetings and exchanges between artists from different and intersecting cultures, originating from two continents will re-contextualize the journey of one of the precursors of African thought.

About YCOS-Project:

YCOS-Project aims to support artists by working alongside them in curatorial development, production and enhancement of their artistic projects. 

YCOS-Project intends to develop a South-South approach, and attaches major importance to ensuring that the selected projects contribute to the visibility of artistic and social changes.