Bili Bidjocka

Cameroon
1962
His works often challenge traditional notions of art and invite audience participation.

Bili Bidjocka, born in 1962 in Douala, Cameroon, is a multifaceted contemporary artist best known for his expansive installations and sculptures. He explores the essence of writing and its existential dimensions through his project "L'écriture infinie," aiming to create the world's largest collection of handwritten books. This work reflects on the decline of handwriting in the age of digital communication, consisting of a series of massive books that invite public participation in writing, capturing a collective memory for future generations when handwriting might no longer exist. Another notable work, "Take a Cab and Go for a Ride," involved an interactive city-wide installation in Dakar, featuring flags as symbols to encourage exploration and personal interaction with the urban environment​​​​.

Bidjocka's art is characterized by its exploration of objecthood and the cultural and historical contexts that shape our understanding of materials and things. He engages deeply with philosophical questions about the nature of objects, their relationships, and the properties that define them. His work often incorporates metaphors to ponder loss, absence, and desire, drawing from Cameroonian processions and ceremonies to enrich his contemplation on these themes. His international presence is marked by participation in significant exhibitions like the Johannesburg, Havana, Dakar, Taipei, and Venice Biennales, showcasing his commitment to addressing global conversations through the lens of his African heritage and his experiences living between Paris, Brussels, and New York City​​.

Artworks