Hadassa Ngamba
Fungi and Stamps: Entangled Identities, 2024
bronze
63 x 42 x 42 cm
24 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in
24 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in
The bronze fungi sculpture is a central element of Hadassa Ngamba's 'Trajet Ngamba' project, which seeks to establish reciprocal trade and societal trajectories between Africa, Europe, and beyond. Drawing inspiration...
The bronze fungi sculpture is a central element of Hadassa Ngamba's "Trajet Ngamba" project, which seeks to establish reciprocal trade and societal trajectories between Africa, Europe, and beyond. Drawing inspiration from a 40-day journey across Kongo-Central in 2019, the project aims to revitalize sophisticated trade networks, honoring the legacy of Congolese pioneers, including Ngamba's father. Ngamba began incorporating fungi into her sculptural works in 2023, recognizing them as a powerful symbol for symbiotic reciprocal relationships. During her residency in Cameroon, she created larger fungi sculptures, imprinting them with stamps from her "Trajet Ngamba Edition Cafe," an initiative designed to foster reciprocal trade across Africa. These stamps visually represent the essential, entangled identity inherent in reciprocal relationships. What began as a broader symbol of societal reciprocity has, over time, transformed in the artist's perception into something profoundly intimate and significant—a cherished jewel. It functions as a constant and personal touchstone for Ngamba, a tangible reminder of her unwavering commitment to cultivating symbiotic reciprocal relationships. Looking ahead, Ngamba envisions a monumental "fantastic forest" teeming with these fungi sculptures, potentially enhanced by augmented reality, further amplifying her vital message of symbiosis and reciprocity.