In an era of global exchange, Barthélémy Toguo’s practice reveals the absurdity of borders, exploring how travel and transition affect an individual’s sense of identity, freedom, human relations and emotions. His drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography, performances, and videos reflect upon the places and people he encounters through his numerous travels. He is simultaneously subject and narrator of these works, and considers them as interactive platforms of information and communication. Toguo’s work likewise harbours a political dimension. Of particular note is his interest in ‘flows’ and how these might be regulated, be it of merchandise or human beings.

Toguo regularly exhibits and performs internationally. He has participated in exhibitions at Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM) in Marseille, France; the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, France; the 11th Havana Biennial in Havana, Cuba; the Biennale de Lyon in Lyon, France; the 18th Sydney Biennale in Sydney, Australia; and the Hayward Gallery in London, UK. He was recently selected by Okwui Enwezor for the 56th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, entitled All the World’s Futures.