Children of Distant Suns: Yannis Davy Guibinga Interview
Yannis Davy Guibinga is committed to rewriting outdated narratives about Africa. We caught up with him at his first UK solo show at Doyle Wham, London.
Visit: https://www.doylewham.com/children-of-distant-suns
Yannis Davy Guibinga. Guibinga, a renowned photographer from Libreville, Gabon, now lives in Montreal, Canada. He excels in storytelling and challenges outdated perceptions of Africa, showcasing its diverse identities and narratives. He delves into and reimagines mythologies from Western and Central Africa.
The new exhibition, Children of Distant Suns, continues this theme. Guibinga draws from folklore and intertwines mythological elements. He creates an imaginary setting, Shira Island, where various legends, including biblical tales, coexist. This approach highlights the universal resonance of myths, showing shared themes and characters across cultures and regions.
Two new series, OLOKUN and Daughter of the Lake, pay tribute to Western African water spirits. Guibinga reinterprets the Yoruba deity Olokun and the mermaid goddess Mami Wata through a modern lens. He emphasizes their fluid identities and envisions contemporary preservation of these cultural icons.
Additionally, Guibinga introduces two series, Melting Daylight and Tangled Sins. Melting Daylight explores the significance of the sun and sunsets in belief systems, symbolizing God’s creation. Tangled Sins examines the rich biblical symbolism of the serpent, delving into humanity’s relationship with vices. The serpent’s winding form mirrors the complex interplay between desire and restraint, a common theme in foundational myths.
Through this exhibition, Guibinga invites us to reflect on our connections to myth and divinity. He challenges us to consider how these stories influence our beliefs and morals. He asks us to think about how foundational narratives can be understood today and whether we need a new visual language. Shira Island marks the beginning of his commitment to creating inclusive and boundless worlds.
