Artist, Guy Kouekam, captures Yaounde’s cultural dynamism in painting.

With the selection of his work, the company is expected to launch works on the Etoudi Sports Complex basketball court from where Kouekam took his inspiration.

According to sources, the project will be launched today in the presence of several personalities among them Joachim Noah. Friends and other stakeholders are also expected to live the launch of the renovation works under the guidance of the cognac brand.

Created for Hennessy, the art work is build on the basketball court of the prestigious Etoudi Sport Complex and pays tribute to the dynamic culture of the city of Yaounde. It also celebrates the essence of basketball.

Drawing the rich elements of Yaounde, Kouekam included in his work the Centre Region's symbolic red soil, as well as the multiple rivers that flow through the Cameroonian landscape. 

The bold mix of descriptions and shapes, the artist is quoted as having said, depicts the vitality and variety that characterize the city and its residents.

By combining the aesthetics of basketball with the emblematic characteristics of Cameroon in general and Yaounde in particular, Kouekam is said to have passed across the ability of sports to transcend cultures.

He addition to such a message, the Douala-based painter is said to have also added subtle elements to the remarkable story of former NBA player, Joachim Noah. 

This aspect of the work, experts say, reflects the global influence of basketball and the ability of sport to transcend cultural boundaries.

The author is also quoted as having said he is aiming to overcome prejudices about Africa through his works. In the case of the current painting, he is said to have highlighted the splendour of Africa, focusing on its people, environment and patterns of urban elements.

“Through this work, I wanted to capture the energy and passion that drives both Yaounde and the world of basketball. It is an honour to collaborate with Hennessy to create something so meaningful and inspiring,” Kouekam is said to have remarked.

Guy Kouekam Art painting 

About Guy Kouekam

Kouekam is a multi-disciplinary Cameroonian artist residing in Douala. His work sparkles with bold hues and flamboyant patterns with urban elements. 

He has the ability to combine traditional forms and symbols. He is a visual artist renowned for his bold use of colour and form to capture the essence of modern African life. 

His work has been exhibited around the world and continues to inspire with its singular perspective and dedication to true artistic expression.

Kouekam’s work combines photography, fashion, design and fine art drawing inspiration from everything around him, as well as from his personal dreams and visions. 

Former Basketball player, Joakim Noah and artist, Guy Kouakam

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No3132 of Wednesday June 05, 2024