MITOCHONDRIA GALLERY

Addressing issues of sustainability, self-assurance, and resilience Cameroonian artist Sesse Elangwe’s second solo exhibition at Mitochondria Gallery, Life’s Blueprint explores methods of success and fulfilment as well as comprehensive ideologies for effective integrations into American culture. Inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.’s, a blueprint acts as the construction and framework to one’s life and moral justification.

Working in acrylic, Elangwe employs a variety of transcendent figures to interpret lifes’ lessons, words of encouragement, and humility. He uses sharply contrasted colors to represent topics in life, such as how individuals from diverse origins can coexist and function effectively. Elangwe draws on lessons and experiences he gained in America to encourage viewers to consider how a positive attitude can get you to your desired destination in life. To properly adopt to society there are fundamental factors that must be considered. Elangwe is combatting cultural norms and delving further into why these structures exist and how to thrive under these implied conditions. Additional themes such as womanhood, beauty, youth, transitional periods of life, financial literacy, and character development are also intwined in this series.

Using vibrant hues in single compositions, such as brilliant reds and deep blues, these paintings achieve a depth of emotion and vitality. The color blue appears repeatedly throughout the body of work, echoing the concept of a blueprint. The persistent use of blue creates an implied feeling of optimism and creates space for hope and transformation. The individuals’ black skin tones aid in series continuity and provide a layer of dimension defined by the body’s limits. Overall, a systematic style that merges surrealism, figuration, and a distinct color palette captivates the spectator for extended periods of time.

Elangwe emphasises detail in the attire of his subjects to identify the period his work was created. Positioning his characters in realistic settings and allowing the audience to develop their own conclusions about their individual circumstances. The figures are positioned in tranquil settings, blurring the limits between subjectivity in perception and precise reality. Elangwe portrays trivial moments, recreation, and labor, juxtaposing his subjects to the entire image. His signature enlarged eye remains consistent in the aims of probing enlightenment and engagement from the community. Reiterating the importance of being fully cognisant and attentive to take advantage of life’s opportunities.

At its core, this work elicits sympathy for life and emphasises the importance of a well-lived existence. Elangwe develops concepts for creating purposeful conversations on personal development and optimism. Ideating from a common American fear of homelessness, Lifes Blueprint, aims to demonstrate how to overcome obstacles to acquire basic living circumstances to advance in other aspects of life. Once fundamental living requirements are met, a foundation for pursuing ambitions is created. Life’s Blueprint expresses how to overcome challenges by staying consistent, and the key pillars of taking care of yourself in its most respectable forms. This body of work overall, stimulates self-reflection and compels you to consider how we might openly use these philosophies to heal and progress as a civilisation.

-Kendra Walker, Art Writer and Founder of Atlanta Art Week.