Angèle Etoundi Essamba

Born in Cameroon and educated in France, Angèle Etoundi Essamba later trained at the Nederlandse Fotovakschool (Dutch School for Professional Photography) in Amsterdam, where she currently lives.

Since her first exhibition in 1985 in Amsterdam, she has taken part in numerous significant exhibitions around the world. In 2022, she was among the artists representing Cameroon during its first participation at the Venice Biennale. Essamba’s multicultural background and extensive travels have shaped a distinct visual language that blends aesthetics with humanist and social themes. Her creative lens is rooted in a deep connection to her origins and a commitment to the values of unity and dignity.

At the core of her vision is a focus on women—especially Black women—exploring identity, presence, and contribution in contemporary society. Her photography challenges conventional narratives, offering a bold counterpoint to stereotypes by portraying strength, pride, resilience, and self-awareness. She brings forward a renewed perspective on African culture and femininity, characterized by intimacy, reciprocity, and empowerment.

Her work has been featured in many publications, including Everything is Connected (2025), Renaissance (2019), Daughters of Life (2018), Strength & Pride (2016), Invisible, African Women in Action (2015), Women of the Water (2013), Black & Red Beyond Color (2012), Desvelos (2011), Africa See You, See Me (2011), As It Is (2010), I-dentity – Eye-dentity (2010), Africa Rising (2010), Voiles & Dévoilements (2008), Dialogues (2006), La Métamorphose du Sublime (2003), Noirs (2001), Symboles (1999), Contrasts (1995), and Passion (1989).

Her photographs are part of prestigious public collections such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the World Bank Art Program, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Boca Raton Museum of Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC, Fitchburg Museum of Art, and the Hood Museum at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.