Learning Cameroonian Urban Sculpture

Art for a Living

Abstract

How can the concept of bimusicality be applied beyond the music setting? This idea was initially introduced in the context of learning foreign music. This article delves into the challenge of artistic bilingualism, specifically exploring how to acquire any foreign artistic form. Drawing from the participant-observation ethnographic approach, the author shares his insights gained from learning sculpture in the urban environment of Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. He emphasizes that learning any foreign art tradition involves at least three key aspects: understanding the social context, knowing the artists, and comprehending the art during its performances. This article examines how these three interconnected and integrated elements present a challenge for acquiring a new art tradition. Notably, the author observes that sculpture in the urban setting he studied revolves around the daily struggles of sculptors who rely on their craft for survival.