Bwo, the newest commercial art gallery in Cameroon and Central Africa, announces the opening of its space on September 2, 2023. Founded by Cameroonian natives, Brice Yonkeu and Noelle Mukete-Elhalaby, the gallery aims to promote and support the artistic production of contemporary artists from Africa and its global diaspora by offering them a new platform for expression and conversation. Bwo will be one of the few galleries established in Africa by founders under the age of 30.
Bwo is an extension and addition to the growing contemporary art scene on the African continent. The decision to open a space in Cameroon was not only motivated by the personal relationship and history that the founders share with the country, but also by Cameroon’s rich history of cultural excellence. In fact, the country has birthed renowned artists such as Pascale Marthine Tayou, Barthélémy Toguo, Hervé Youmbi, Samuel Fosso, Bili Bidjocka or even recognized curators like Koyo Kouoh, Simon Njami, Bonaventure Bejeng Ndikung and Marie-Ann Yemsi amongst others, whose track-record of achievements significantly contribute to contemporary African art discourses. This realization testifies to the undeniable potential that Cameroon holds and makes Bwo eager to support the next generation of leading Cameroonian artists and curators, while it develops a programming that transcends boundaries, cultures and generations.