Abstract
In two series - Abstracts from 2022 and Old Masters - I’ll explain why I paint the way I do.
Paintings.
Portrait of the Princess of Zanzibar with an African Attendant, Maxime Mballa-Tagny, Black, Acrylic on Photograph, 2024, 21cm x 30cm
My paintings are “abstract.” I don’t want them to depict reality. The only thing real about them is the paint. Abstraction is an approach to creativity that comes in and out of style throughout history (eg.: Yoruba portraits in the 14th to 15th century, versus Yoruba portraits in the 19th to 20th century). In painting, it took a popular turn with Abstract Expressionism, where reality was thrown out the window. But even though the images aren’t real, the feelings they give us are. This is what I find interesting.
In parallel, I look at Cameroonian objects I research with the Lübeck World Cultures Collection. Not enough history is known of these abstract objects. But even though the facts might not be accurate, the variety of feelings viewers have is. This, I also find interesting.
Abstracts #9, Maxime Mballa-Tagny, Canvas Board, Oil Paint, 10cm x 15cm
I approach my painting the same way. I want viewers’ feelings to be real and accurate despite the facts I give them:
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I encourage you to come up with your own interpretation first.
If you’d like to hear mine, ask, and I’ll answer.
Selected Works
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