The National Times - Visual artist grabs 'decisive moment' to nurture Chad art scene

Doff, whose real name is Appolinaire Guidimbaye, is known for his series crafted out of recycled rubbish, discarded metal wires, old jerrycans, rusty shell casings and roof cladding.

The 41-year-old, self-taught artist has exhibited in France and the United States. His work is priced at up to 17,000 euros ($18,400).

Now, he wants to give something back.

At his Kei-Kor (meaning "smithy" in the Ngambay language) gallery in the heart of the capital N'Djamena, he offers a residence programme for up-and-coming artists.

"I was lucky to have people in the art world who lifted me up at a time when I needed it," he said.

"Now it is my turn to support younger artists to help them progress, push them to step out of their comfort zone and allow them to find their own identity," he added.

Doff's artistic style is distinct, raw and easily recognisable.

"My objective is to share my profile with other Chadian artists to help them emerge in the world of visual art," he said.

In Chad, plastic arts is often seen as a pointless past-time for loafers or dreamers who would rather starve than work or farm.

Aristide Kodjitara Adidjimgue, who goes by the name AdiAri, is one of Doff's first five artists in residence and said it had made a world of difference.

"Artists are considered to be failures," said the 26-year-old, who has spent a year in one of the workshops set up in the former restaurant's patio.

"This residence has allowed me to evolve my art and be more confident," he added, smiling, describing Doff as both a "mentor" and "older brother".

"He has helped me value my work and bring out emotions I had bottled up," AdiAri said.

- 'Temple of Chadian artists' -

Another resident Kdi Dream, whose real name is Khadidja Al, highlighted the practical help also on offer.

"In addition to his feedback, Doff also shares with us his contact book in the art world," she said.

At the end of the pilot year during which five artists are in residence, 10 new artists will be selected.

"Artists and actors in the art world, from Chad and abroad, will come train the artists-in-residence every month," Doff said.

He wants to introduce themes reflecting major challenges in his country, particularly "notions of peace and togetherness".

One of the fresh recruits, 37-year-old Gabin Reounodji whose nickname is Gabin Art, said he relished the chance to join "the temple of Chadian artists".

In time, the goal is to produce work that can hold its own on the international scene, including "what is being done elsewhere on the continent, like Ivory Coast, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo", said Jean Baptiste Gozzo, 45, general secretary of the Knock on Art association, established by Doff four years ago.

The Chadian artist already plans to open "a new venue where all artists will have a space to create and store their equipment" by the end of the year.

Knock on Art in the long run wants to design furniture out of recycled paper and even small houses, with a "complete production chain from collection of the paper to its transformation", Doff said.

Although it received support from the French embassy, Doff and those close to him have had to dig into their own pockets to fund the residences.

He felt he needed to act fast, while there was interest and the means available.

"We shouldn't wait until the momentum around us disappears. This is a decisive moment for the art world in Chad."

A.M.James--TNT