PAINTER Salvador Tomnyuy

Art sets us free to challenge norms, to break the chains of conformity, and paint a future of boundless possibility.

Salvador Tomnyuy (b. 1989), a Cameroonian artist based in Tangier, Morocco, explores the migrant experience through captivating works. His international exhibitions showcase diverse techniques depicting boxers and fantastical creatures, confronting migration realities and societal barriers.

Tomnyuy’s artistic background is as multifaceted as his themes. Originally a boxer and hairdresser, he discovered his passion for painting during a transformative residency. This personal journey informs his art, where figures like boxers represent resilience and the struggle for identity. Vibrant colors and bold lines further evoke the raw emotions and complexities of displacement.

Salvador’s artistic practice extends beyond the canvas. He actively participates in workshops and exhibitions, fostering dialogue about social inclusion and the experiences of marginalized communities. By using his art as a platform for social commentary, Salvador empowers viewers to question their perceptions and work towards a more equitable world.

Tomnyuy’s art eschews the facile comfort of ignoring migration’s searing realities. Instead, it wields their potent imagery as a conduit to evoke transcendent empathy and a nuanced understanding of the shared human experience.

His insightful work not only illuminates the significant challenges faced by migrants but also proposes a compelling vision for the future. This vision embraces migration as a powerful driver of positive change, fostering a world enriched by the vibrant tapestry of cultures and perspectives.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Salvador Tomnyuy’s solo exhibitions are renowned for his transformative interventions. Employing moral allegories rendered in both drawing and painting, he reconfigures the traditional gallery space into an environment that resonates with his artistic vision.

[Image Caption: Exhibition at the HOOP Gallery, Dakar, Senegal]

RECENT EXHIBITIONS

2024:

  • From June 8 to August 30, 2024, Group exhibition at the MUCAT, Abidjan/Ivory Coast
  • From February 5 to March 5, 2024, Solo exhibition at HOOP Gallery, Dakar/Senegal
  • From January 30 to March 1, 2024, Group exhibition at the INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR, Segal/Mali

2022:

  • From October 7 to November 4, 2022: Solo exhibition at the MEDINA ART Gallery, Tangier/Morocco
  • From April 24 to May 24, 2022: Group exhibition at TEWAS ART Gallery, Nairobi/Kenya