Since his childhood, Moustapha Baidi Oumarou set his sights on becoming an artist. In 2013, at the age of 17, he won the third prize in the visual arts competition of the Yawalta Maroua Festival. This was an important distinction for him and the following year, after working in a silkscreen workshop, he joined the fine arts club of the University of Maroua. Since then his work has been exhibited internationally.

Keeping his sitters anonymous, Oumarou hopes his work allows viewers to reflect more closely on the human condition, with only posture and clothing to give us indication of the individual’s intent. Ourmarou is dedicated to a more egalitarian world, his work presenting positivity and optimism through his bright palette of colours, floral patterns and even the title of his works, such as Instant de joie (Moment of Joy).