MOSES MOUS

Moses Mous, whose real name is Moussa Issarou, was born in 1995 in Maroua, in the far north of Cameroon. He is the youngest of 12 children and grew up in a creative environment. When his father discovered his talent, he promised to nurture his artistic gift, a turning point in his journey.

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Initially, Moses trained in drawing, screen printing, and calligraphy. He further pursued studies in French Modern Literature and Fine Arts, fulfilling his father's promise. He became involved in numerous events and collaborated with various artists while continuing to explore his artistic vision. This gained him recognition, allowing him to exhibit internationally.

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Mous' work centers on a humanistic and optimistic perspective. He strives to present the daily lives of Cameroonian youth, highlighting the strength and resilience of his people in the face of many challenges. Maroua, his hometown, is part of the region that has suffered numerous attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, leaving deep traumas. Mous aims to showcase the beauty and dignity of the African people, as well as their enduring hope, in an effort to dismantle stereotypes about Cameroon.

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One of the key features of his work is the use of the sgraffito technique. The term sgraffito comes from the Italian word "sgraffiare," meaning to scratch. Moses uses a razor blade to scratch the paint on his canvases, shaping his characters. This method draws two analogies: the scarification of the canvas symbolizes the hardships experienced by the African people, and it also represents a way to transform pain into hope, serving as a symbol of resilience. The use of warm colors adds vibrancy and balance, reflecting the harmony he perceives amid chaos. Moses' paintings convey a message of determination and hope in the face of adversity. Through his art, he seeks to inspire his contemporaries to persevere and believe in a better future.

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Some of his notable exhibitions include his participation in the 2020 "Rentrée Culturelle" and the International Visual Arts Colloquium "Arts and Emergence in Africa." In 2021, his talent was recognized when he won the "Concours Jeunes Espoirs" at Doual’Art. That same year, his work was featured in the exhibition "VISION," organized by the Regional Delegation of Arts and Culture in the Far North of Cameroon. After collaborating with TAAG Gallery in the United States in 2022, Janet Rady Fine Art showcased his work at the London Art Fair in January 2023. In October 2023, his convictions were highlighted at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva during the exhibition "The Art of Equality: A Journey to Justice." The 2024 "Green Planet" exhibition, held with Harry Mensah at Espace Bolo in Douala, further strengthened his presence in the art world and underscored his commitments. Most recently, he exhibited at the MAC.A Foundation Gallery in Asilah, Morocco, in 2024.