NJMAN ESSO’O Narcisse, born on August 12, 1990, in DICHE-WIDIKUM in the North-West of Cameroon, holds a master’s degree in Plastic Arts and Art History from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Douala in Nkongsamba. Growing up in the Grass Field region, he developed an early familiarity with the art of the region, especially sculpture. His passion for comics served as an informal training ground that nurtured his creativity. After completing his baccalaureate, he initially pursued studies in Legal and Political Science at the University of Douala, where his drawing skills were recognized and utilized by the university’s newspaper club as an illustrator. Four years later, NJMAN decided to follow his passion for the arts and enrolled at the Institute of Fine Arts in Nkongsamba. During his studies, he trained in the KANTE and LINDOU workshops and participated in an artistic residency at Bandjoun Station, which deepened his connection to nature and his artistic vision. He further broadened his artistic practice through travels in the East and South of Cameroon, where he engaged with the world of the forest and traditional chiefs, inspiring a diverse range of creative works. Currently based in Douala, NJMAN’s work explores themes related to ecology and the environment. My work delves into questions surrounding the environment. For the African, the environment is more than just a place of habitation—it is a key element of identity. People are often referred to as ‘people of the water,’ ‘people of the forests,’ or ‘people of the mountains,’ highlighting the link between geography and cultural identity. Yet, industrialization, urbanization, and other factors are leading to the destruction of these natural environments, causing the potential loss of identity for many African peoples. What will happen when these communities lose their identity? Will this cultural loss be irreversible? Or will it give rise to a new culture? Regardless of the outcome, it is crucial to build a memory that preserves the cultural identity of these peoples over time. My work seeks to illustrate a culture adapting to the evolving ecosystem, using the materials I find around me, interpreted through my cultural background. My art is a personal reflection on the environment, shaped by my experiences and the culture that surrounds me.