The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is hosting Material Memories, an independent students exhibition from Northwestern Polytechnic. One of the students featured is Aurel Tchoumo Tsafack.
Tsafack is originally from Cameroon and resettled as an international student in Grande Prairie in 2018. He began drawing and painting at the age of eight, coming from a family of artists.
Tsafack says he got the motivation from his parents despite having no way to show their artistry to the world as they were still in the spirit of painting and drawing in their home.
“My motivation comes from my dad. I’m the version he would love to be because he didn’t have that opportunity. Back then there were few opportunities for artists to express themselves.”
He says his father has always told him to pursue art, even with the challenges that come with it. Tsafack says he is a fan of African culture, and that is why when you see his art it is mostly African culture.
“I see myself as an African ambassador with the duty of putting African culture out there. I’m using art to first affirm my identity and put out African culture in the world.”
He adds art is an escape and therapeutic therapy for him.
Other student artists featured are Marcia Tofer, Matthew Stewart, Natesa Medlicott-Kappo, and Connie Potter. Material Memories will remain open until August 6th.