For Cameroonian-Spanish artist and curator Agnes Essonti Luque, food is not just a means to sustain. Every plate tells a story of the past and present, political and cultural shifts and the dualities of individuality and collectivism. She aims to explore its cultural impacts, creating a deeper understanding of ancestral roots to ‘plant seeds for future change’.

While Essonti Luque’s art often references her ancestry and lived truths, the intersections she explores relate to pan-African identities, as depicted in previous exhibitions such as ‘When I Was Little, They Gave Me Nostalgia By the Spoonful’ and ‘Foodscapes’. For the twelfth edition of Investec Cape Town Art Fair, we talk with Essonti Luque about her latest installation titled ‘Mother Tongue’ and creating dialogue through food.

‘Mother Tongue’ is the name of your current installation. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?

The main inspiration for the installation I am showing at ICTAF is ‘the tongue’ – an organ we use to taste and eat, but also to articulate our discourses. I’ve always been interested in language, especially Pidgin within the context of [Cameroonian culture] and food. So basically, this project has allowed me to bring together two major lines of my practice.

Your work often explores the intersection of food, memory and identity. Has that provided insights into your identity?

Definitely! Growing up in a place that didn’t feel like home made me explore a lot of my multiple identities and how they are constructed. Food and other cultural manifestations have played a massive role in exploring my ancestral heritage and grounding me in realities that are sometimes rough.

The Over Untitled 3 | Images courtesy of Agnes Essonti Luque

How do you hope others engage with your work?

I see everything that I create as a seed I’m planting for future change. Sometimes it’s about bringing the possibility of that change, [and] seeing things a little bit different. The impact can be big or small, personal or collective, but I always hope people [reflect] and somehow challenge dominant stories.

What’s your favourite childhood food memory?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about beignets and haricots. It’s what most people would identify as Cameroon’s national breakfast. When I was a child, I used to have it for dinner on Saturdays, as my auntie would make it for the family. The fritters were big, round, fluffy and really sweet. The beans were perfectly cooked, spicy and so nourishing.

Does thinking about the future of food excite or scare you?

As [with] everything, I think it depends on [your standpoint]. I advocate a lot for reclaiming ancestrality as a better way to navigate our present and future. So, if we think of a future, it needs to be deeply connected with ancestral ideas and ways.

Over Generacion 2024, Exposiciones Doumentacion Maru Serrano | Images courtesy of Agnes Essonti Luque

Connection is at the heart of food. Do you hope younger generations continue to honour the importance of community?

[Yes!] Especially in the context of the global crisis that we are experiencing.

I think it is vital to build strong connections within the communities we live in, be it people or nature. We’ve witnessed through history the power of working together towards our needs and political claims.

This is your first time showing at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. How does it feel to be part of Africa’s largest art exhibition?

It feels great! I’m honoured to take part in the Tomorrows/Today curated section and I’m sure that this opportunity will bring further exhibitions and projects. I’m also excited about being in South Africa for the first time in my life; I’m loving the vibes in Cape Town.

Pictured: Agnes Essonti Luque portrait (top left); The Over Untitled (top right); Over Generacion 2024, Exposiciones Doumentacion Maru Serrano (bottom) | Images courtesy of Agnes Essonti Luque

The ‘Power of PLAY’ is the theme for this year’s fair. How do you embrace playfulness in your life and your work?

As my work draws from nostalgia and childhood memories, it’s always been a priority to embrace playfulness. From the foods I cook to the physical works I create or the gatherings I host, play allows me to approach different themes from an open and joyful perspective.

Are there any themes or mediums you hope to explore?

I’m always open to exploring new mediums, especially sound, painting and ceramics. I’m sure my practice will always keep an auto-referential approach, but right now, I’m researching a lot about the restitution of looted artefacts and different pan-Africanist figures.

The Over Taym we taym bi bin taym | *Art images courtesy of Agnes Essonti Luque.

To experience ‘Mother Tongue’, visit the Tomorrows/Today booth at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, showcasing at the CTICC from 21-23 February 2025. Buy Tickets here.

Visit the website below to view more of Agnes Essonti Luque’s work. 

essonti.com | Instagram