A.C.D.
Photographer : Tarishi Gupta / Photo Edit : A.C.D.
Assistant Photographer : Circé Malnoy
Styling : Ariane Velluire Makeup : Lisa Cooper
Name : Amah Cynthia Dongo ( A.C.D.)
Birth Place : Paris, France
Birthdate : September 14
Residence : New York City, New York
Education :
University of California : Davis ( B.A.) English Literature
Davis, California : USA
The New School : Parsons School of Design (AAS) Fashion Design
New York, New York : USA
Cal Arts- Typography /History of Logos / Letters- Courses
Languages : French & English
3 words to describe myself : Chameleon, Maverick, Progressive
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Painting : I began painting in 2019. It started with seeing a butterfly. So I learn as I go. I do not know what I know until I try it. I won't know if I can do impressionsim until I explore it.
Thematic elements of the painting: Psychology, Human psyche, Identity, Duality, Juxtapositions, Surrealism, Cubism, Geometric Abstraction, Bold Colors, Trompe O'eil , Multiple Meanings, Narrations, Balance, Print Design, Illustration, Futuristic/Voyageurism , Rebellion.
I do get deep into some of these elements espeically in regards to human psychology. And I do challenge the narrative but I do not decide the choice or perception. The viewer can create the painting as much as I have. It has been that two people think the opposite of one painting. And that to me is humanity and art. In that in itself there is a duality just within that. It is complex. But are we not complex ourselves ? If the color changes in front of you. If the image means love but you see tension. Is that not what we have seen or experienced in some form of way? Yet the shapes are simple, but what evoked was not. And that is not me. That is the viewer. I will always have my stories. But the viewer has theirs too.
Style : Right now I am exploring the geometric abstraction a lot more, while developing other stylistic concepts as I am a rookie so I have to give myself time to explore and practice. The geometric abstraction series comes from my love of shapes, stories, and cubism. So in some ways I would not call it abstraction because there is something intentional. I try to create meaning and value to shapes and colors. When I use red I know the power and signification.It is perhaps viewed more forceful to use angular lines, however I think there is an interesting dichotomy of how these lines can be used to create a visual that is beyond its scope. I also am very inspired by architectural forms and my favorite architects include Le Corbusier and Hiroshi Nakamura. My favorite artist is obviously Picasso but I love works of Basquiat on a color schematic and works of Tamara de Lempicka who brought art deco to life with lines, shadows, and power to her paintings.
Colors : I have tetrachromatic vision. It is hard to explain what I see. I see down to the gradient and I can also emulate the idea of seeing colors to the viewer. Some of the paintings change in different lightings not because of the colors being used but by the placement and relation to one another. And I truly believe in color therapy. I need my personal space to be infused with it. And my personal style is also very colorful. I do get overwhelmed when I look at colors for a long period of time. I have different setting of light bulbs to ease and adjust my eyes. I prefer painting at night versus day light which is unusual. In a strange dualistic nature I see light in the dark. It is easier for me to paint in dim light visually. Colors are defined by the light it emits. And I see the light in my mind. I mix the colors as I paint and I often work with natural pigments. This can be seen in some of the paintings with strong hues. It allows me to control the gradient and warmth. Colors are very powerful and I am not afraid of its power or manipulate its usage.
Process & Projects: Well the process is fun perhaps too fun for me and in a way I learn from my own process about myself. The projects include other artists and where we see a merge of ideas and concepts.
Design : The designs are inspired literally or figuratively from the art. In due you'll see that is the basis. Art . Creation. Design. A giant book of the world of artists. I simply hope I do not fail myself in that. Ha.
