Djakou Kassi Nathalie, a Cameroonian visual artist born in Cameroon and currently residing in Lagos, has been captivated by art since her early years. Commencing her studio practice in 1998 after six years of dedicated study, Djakou swiftly emerged as an instructor at the sole art institution, the Intitut de Formation Artistique, in Central Africa's Mbalmayo, Cameroon. In this role, she notably introduced the innovative "Material Technology" course into the school's esteemed curriculum.
In 2004, Djakou secured a position at the Centre d’Art Appliqué in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, where she excelled as a ceramist and assumed the esteemed role of chief manager of the ceramic studio. Over the years, she has showcased her talents in numerous local and international exhibitions, garnering acclaim and recognition. By 2011, Djakou was appointed as the vice president of the craft association in her local municipality, a position she held for a commendable three-year term. Subsequently, in 2013, she founded the esteemed ceramic group DECERAM, through which she undertook various commissioned works of art.
With a wealth of experience in studio practice, Djakou Kassi Nathalie has collaborated with distinguished artists in various studios, earning accolades, awards, and prizes both within and beyond the borders of Cameroon. She has also devoted her time to mentoring and nurturing young artists in Cameroon ,Nigeria, Republic of Benin, USA, Iran and Iraq.
Relocating to Nigeria in 2015, Djakou continued to pursue her artistic endeavors, exploring diverse mediums such as clay, bonded stone, wood, and bronze. Her artistic journey in Nigeria has been marked by numerous exhibitions, including two well-received two-man shows with Ato Arinze under the theme "BEYOND FUNCTIONS."Since 2015, Djakou has been an esteemed member of the Society of Nigerians Artists (SNA) and, as of 2020, a valued member of the Sculptors Association of Nigeria (ScAN), participating in various group exhibitions across Lagos and Abuja.
In honor of International Women's Day in March 2018, Djakou was part of a group exhibition at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel, curated by SMO contemporary art gallery. She further showcased her artistry in a group exhibition with Alexis Galleries in March 2019 to commemorate International Women's Day. Notably, Djakou's exceptional work was featured in an auction organized by SOGAL (Signature Gallery) in May 2019.
Djakou's artistic prowess transcended borders as she participated in the 9th China Changchun International Ceramic Symposium and the esteemed exhibition "SAY MY NAME"in London in October 2020, in collaboration with the renowned Signature African Art gallery. She was also selected as one of the distinguished female artists from Africa for the "DEUS EX FEMINA"exhibition in Dubai from March to April 2021, and as part of a group exhibition in France with ART &EXCEPTION in June 2021 at the Grand Palais in Paris. Noteworthy exhibitions in 2023 include a group show in Cameroon at the Annie Kadji Gallery and a recent exhibition in Dubai with Art Connects Women, organized by Zee Arts Gallery.
In 2025, Djakou participated in the esteemed art fair, HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW in New York City, and was chosen for the prestigious exhibition FACE 2025 in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she has showcased her works in numerous international online exhibitions with @bonartproject and @madlozigallery, gaining widespread recognition. Her artistry has been featured in various TV programs, newspapers, and magazines such as "ARTS AND ARTISTS,""CANVAS,""DAILY TRUST,""VANGUARD,"and "TVC."Djakou's masterpieces have been acquired by esteemed collectors in Nigeria and abroad, including HRM Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, Mr. Hakeem Adedeji, Access Bank, Indian collector Mohak Mehta, Cameroonian collector Nicole Kadji, among others.
Djakou's commitment to her craft was further solidified when she became an official member of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) in December 2023. She is also a proud member of the Sculpture Association of Nigeria (ScAN), VISIONS IN CLAY ARTISTS NETWORK, and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). Actively engaged as a facilitator, Djakou has conducted various workshops, including the HARMATTAN workshop and sessions at the University of Abraka during a conference organized by the Sculpture Association of Nigeria (ScAN).Djakou's unwavering dedication to her artistry was further cemented when she attained official membership in the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) in December 2023. She is also an esteemed member of the Sculpture Association of Nigeria (ScAN), the VISIONS IN CLAY ARTISTS NETWORK, and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). Actively engaged as a facilitator, Djakou has orchestrated a variety of workshops, including the HARMATTAN workshop and sessions at the University of Abraka during a conference convened by the Sculpture Association of Nigeria (ScAN).
Her artistic endeavors have become the focal point of numerous academic research studies and dissertations by scholars and Ph.D. candidates across Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Poland, Egypt) and the United States, particularly at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Djakou has consistently participated in a plethora of group exhibitions in Lagos, including notable showcases in 2024 at YENWA Gallery, BEYOND LIMITS, ICONS, NUDUS, and ECOBANK.
Her work was also selected for FACE 2025, a distinguished sculpture exhibition at the King's Foundation in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she took part in the HARLEM FINE ART SHOW 2025 in New York City.
Perpetually striving for excellence, Djakou Kassi Nathalie remains devoted to producing a diverse array of captivating works across various mediums (wood, bronze, marble stone, bonded stone) in preparation for upcoming national and international art events.