Dream I by Pascale Marthine Tayou represents the artist’s propensity to employ the use of non-traditional, sometimes found objects and materials as a medium of expression. In this instance, the work is formed using coffee, chalk, chocolate, glue and charcoal painted in a repurposed crate from the artist’s studio. The media employed in the present lot are effective in delivering an undeniable simple aesthetic, communicated through pared-down forms reminiscent of cave or child’s painting. The work depicts four figures and a dog in a non-descript location. The figures appear malnourished to the point where their bones are visible. The title of the work, ‘Dream’ suggests an imaginative thought or a goal to achieve, but this notion is ultimately subverted in the harsh reality of the presented imagery.

Born in Nkongsamba in 1966, Tayou was first educated as a lawyer, but a great interest in the arts led the artist to travel outside of Africa. Self-taught, the artist rose to international recognition in 1996, just two years after debuting in Yaoundé in 1994. The artist presently splits his time between Belgium and Cameroon. Tayou’s body of work is heterogeneous and isn’t confined to exploring one theme or notion.

Tayou has contributed to a number of major international exhibitions and art events and biennales such as Documenta 11 (2002), Triennial of Turin (2008), Tate Modern (2009), Kwangju (1997 and 1999), Santa Fe (1997), La Havane (1997 and 2006), Liverpool (1999), Berlin (2001), Sao Paulo (2002), Munster (2003), Istan-bul (2003), Lyon (2000 and 2005), Venice (2005 and 2009), Dak’Art (2018), and the Kampala Art Biennale (2018). Tayou has shown his work at museums around the world.