Nyangone Tshimanga Sarah Naomi, conceptual artist based in Gabon

My name is Nyangone TSHIMANGA Sarah Naomi, but everyone calls me Moukadi. I was born on June 24, 1997, in Libreville, Gabon. I've been a portrait photographer since 2017. My work often explores the theme of identity, a personal journey that is reflected in every image I create. Through my lens, I aim to capture moments and stories shaped by my imagination and inspired by the reality around me.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I see myself as someone with their feet on one land and their head in a thousand other places at once. Some might say I'm absent-minded and clumsy, but I call it being a dreamer.

How did you first become interested in photography?

“The first time I discovered artistic photography was through a young woman, the first female photographer I had ever met in my small country.”

There were very few at the time, and she was the one who gave me my very first camera. Her name is Marilyne Mezui. Aside from her, my older brother is a filmmaker, and it was by witnessing his journey and creative process that I was first introduced to the world of audiovisual art, Karl Doukaga.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I created projects that often had no specific goal but were entirely inspired by my imagination and creative intuition. Then, in parallel with my personal growth, my style gradually became more engaged and symbolic, resonating with my own life experiences, those of others, or simply the world we live in. I have since specialised in artistic and socially engaged portraiture.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

What fuels my photography is the outside world around me, my life, and how I experience it, as well as the questions I have and those of others. Then, the real work happens inside. Thoughts, images, and colours all come to mind; everything is crafted within my inner world.

My continent is an endless source of inspiration and profoundly influences my visuals, as well as the way my thoughts are translated into images, from aesthetics to atmosphere, everything. I believe that the fact we share the same world, that we go through similar processes and emotions, already allows us to connect because life itself is the bond we all share. In this way, my art will resonate with those who are open to feeling it.

What is the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

The project I'm most proud of is BEHIND, which I developed during my first artistic residency, DUVANGU, in Libreville, Gabon. For the first time, I was fully immersed in a creative environment, surrounded by incredibly talented people with different cultures, practices, and languages. That space allowed me to explore a more raw and personal form of storytelling, where I opened up about topics like depression, faith, self-love, and healing.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

The challenge of the blank page is something I've faced as a phase filled with unanswered questions: What stories do you want to tell, and why? It has taken the shape of a lack of inspiration, and even a loss of confidence. The impostor syndrome and the feeling of not being good enough, or even capable of creating. It's an ongoing challenge I have not yet fully overcome. However, what I'm learning from these emotions is that our thoughts shape our actions, and it's essential to pay very close attention to them.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

That's an easy question for me, it's the Nigerian band - THE CAVEMEN, and I proudly claim to be their biggest fan, LOL! They are a significant source of inspiration when it comes to creative identity, authenticity, and above all, their ability to create a unique style that's deeply connected to Africa and the rest of the world.

They inspired me to do the same, developing a distinctive and personal style that reflects who I am and tells stories in my way. And by the way, if anyone can plug me so they can slide into my DM, I'd be eternally grateful!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

The most important thing is to train and discover yourself to offer not only quality work, but also unique work that reflects the individuality of a true artist.