This is not a white cube gallery is honored to host “Ndako”, a captivating solo exhibition by Débora Sandjai, on view until October 15. The contemporary artist transforms the space into a touching family atmosphere, where memories and nostalgia intertwine in a ballet of vibrant canvases and paintings.
130 x 120 cm DS8
Derived from the Kimbundu language, where “Ndako” means “home”, this title encourages visitors to rediscover the Angolan artist’s past, to step back in time and plunge fervently into the tender reminiscences of her family life. To enrich this immersive experience, Débora Sandjai enchants the audience with a skilful blend of media, combining video, painting and personal memories. This harmony of elements reinforces the emotion of the place, creating a true space of gathering and belonging that resonates deeply with the collective memory of three generations who shared the tumultuous history of Angola’s civil war.
“Ndako” unveils an unprecedented body of ten works that celebrate strength and perseverance. These themes manifest themselves through a geography of affections, populated by joyous celebrations, glimpses of family unity and spaces of reunion. Much more than a simple art exhibition, “Ndako” offers deeply anticipated moments in these times of social and political fragmentation, when ideals often seem to fade away.
Débora Sandjai’s artistic production at This is not a white cube translates this metamorphosis with palpable emotion. Through her visual exhibition, she evokes a multitude of intimate moments, from maternal and paternal figures to fraternal bonds, reunions after long absences due to war and family reunions. The contemporary African artist captures each of these moments with remarkable intensity and emotional depth. This rich visual expression unfolds through her style of representation, reminiscent of the intimate, family-oriented photographic style of the 1990s and early 2000s, capturing moments that invite reflection and nostalgia.
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on canvas 150 x 100 cm DS14
These events, imbued with a strong autobiographical character, are interwoven with Débora Sandjai’s personal experiences. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, she grew up in an environment where religious prohibitions often kept her away from her family. However, this path also brought her closer to her grandmother, whose religious beliefs differed from her own, creating a beautiful and powerful affinity between them.
The “Ndako” exhibition is a celebration of family, sisterly love and acceptance. It tells a story buried deep beneath the tumultuous state of a country beset by relentless challenges, privileging a mentality of individual survival. Yet this resilience flourishes through the preservation of family ties, a true imprint of what “home” means.
In this exhibition, Débora Sandjai transcends the idea of simple memory to plunge us into a universe where each work stands as a reflection of a constantly evolving identity. Personal memories mingle with the collective resonance of a nation, revealing a rich array of forgotten histories and buried emotions. Through “Ndako”, the house is no longer just a material home; it becomes a vibrant symbol of shared experiences, intertwined lives and emotional attachments that stand the test of time.
“Ndako” invites us to explore the fleeting nature of our sense of belonging. Here, identity is constantly being constructed, linking departures and arrivals, but also moments of reunion, eloquent silences and cherished memories. This groundbreaking exhibition invites the public to reflect on the richness of life, shaped by scattered fragments: intimate experiences, a vibrant cultural heritage, and the stories we choose to live and pass on.
