A Fusion of Art and Science
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung. © Jana Edisonga/Fundação Bienal de São Paulo.
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung (born 1977, Yaoundé, Cameroon) is a multifaceted individual who bridges the worlds of science and art [1].
Education and Dual Expertise:
Ndikung holds a PhD in biotechnology, showcasing his scientific background [2, 3, 4]. He pursued his studies in Germany, obtaining degrees from the Technical University Berlin, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and Université Montpellier [4].
Founding SAVVY Contemporary:
Ndikung's artistic passion is evident in his role as the founder and artistic director of SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin. This non-profit art space serves as a platform for critical exploration and exchange, particularly focused on the interplay between "West" and "non-West" perspectives in contemporary art [3, 4, 6]. He has also spearheaded the SAVVY Journal, the first bilingual e-journal dedicated to critical texts on contemporary African art [6].
Curatorial Accolades:
Ndikung's curatorial expertise is widely recognized. He has held prestigious positions including curator-at-large for Documenta 14 (2017) and artistic director of Sonsbeek20–24, a major quadrennial contemporary art exhibition in the Netherlands [2, 3]. He has also guest-curated exhibitions at prominent venues like the Dak'Art Biennale in Senegal and the Venice Biennale's Finnish Pavilion [2, 3]. Most recently, he was appointed as the Director of Berlin's Haus der Kulturen der Welt, a testament to his standing in the art world [2].
Academic Contributions:
Ndikung actively contributes to the academic sphere. He has served as a guest professor in curatorial studies and sound art at the Städelschule in Frankfurt and currently holds a professorship in the Spatial Strategies MA program at the Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin [2]. His writings, including essays and publications like "In a While or Two We Will Find the Tone" and "Those Who Are Dead Are Not Ever Gone," further solidify his intellectual influence [4].
In Conclusion:
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung's remarkable career exemplifies the powerful intersection of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. His dedication to fostering critical dialogue and showcasing diverse artistic voices continues to shape the contemporary art landscape.
References:
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaventure_Soh_Bejeng_Ndikung
Raw Material Company: http://www.rawmaterialcompany.org/_3527?lang=en
Archive Books: https://www.archivebooks.org/bonaventure-ndikung/
Dutch Art Institute: https://dutchartinstitute.eu/page/8773/bonaventure-soh-bejeng-ndikung
The Green Box: https://www.thegreenbox.net/en/artists/bonaventure-soh-bejeng-ndikung (Please note that some sources may not be available due to privacy concerns)