The Self-Portrait Project

2021 — ongoing

The Self-Portrait explores Mpoka’s family photographic archive, drawing on her Cameroonian-Belgian heritage while exploring notions of memory and transoceanic imaginaries. Inspired by photographs from her own family album, her self-portraitures draw inspiration from the Central African's visualscape and photographic culture from the post-independence as well as her diasporic realities. Holding a 1970’s photograph of her father in one portrait, she aims to reimagine her sense of belonging and Bamileke heritage while aspiring to breathe new life into her archive. From a different place and stance, Mpoka sees the archive as an opening to reimagine oneself and foster a place where dreams might be forged out of remnants.

Currently on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario until January 2024. More info here.