FINGACODE: THREADS OF THE FUTURE

On the beautiful coast of Cape Verde, with Afrobeats in the air and a sunset that paints the sky in impossible hues, I met Fingacode, whose stature is only dwarfed by the depth of his creativity. In our conversation, he shared his journey—a blend of coding, Afrofuturism, and a deep desire to amplify African voices in the digital realm. As he spoke of his Cameroonian roots and the challenges of navigating diasporic identity, his passion for merging tradition with technology became evident.

Fast forward 10 months later to Paris, and there's Fingacode again, this time showing off "nth culture" to the world. It's a project that marries the art of coding with the rich patterns of Cameroonian textiles. Watching his journey from a distance, I felt I just had to reach out and get the scoop on what makes him tick and how he cooks up his digital art.

So, TRIBE, here's Fingacode, or Junior Ngoma as he was first known, a UK-based artist with roots stretching back to Cameroon and Congo. He's always been into music, but it was the digital world where he found his true calling. He's like a chef for digital art, serving up bits and bytes in the most creative ways to express himself and his rich heritage.

His narrative begins with a struggle for identity, a journey of self-discovery that transcends geographical boundaries. 

"Growing up, I wrestled with my identity," he shared. ‘nth culture’ was my canvas, a medium through which I could articulate my dual heritage in a language I knew best—code."

Navigating the delicate balance between preserving cultural integrity and embracing modern technology posed a significant challenge for Fingacode. His approach was one of thoughtful consideration, rooted in a deep respect for the evolving nature of culture. "As I studied them more, I found that as society evolves, so too does culture," he explained. This realization became the cornerstone of his creative process, guiding him as he sought to maintain the essence of Toghu and Ndop fabrics while infusing them with his own unique perspective.

"nth culture" resonates deeply with those straddling multiple worlds, offering a visual narrative of the intricate dance between heritage and assimilation. Fingacode's use of a grid structure serves as a metaphor for the complexities of cultural identity, symbolizing the boundaries within which individuals navigate their dual existence. "Visually, I was trying to communicate that within the boundaries of your home, anything goes," he elaborated. It is a sentiment that reverberates with anyone who has experienced the dichotomy of cultural immersion and societal norms.

The Paris exhibition marked a pivotal moment in Fingacode's artistic journey, a culmination of years of dedication and creative exploration. "Being featured in any kind of book, let alone a Taschen art book, is definitely something I never envisioned," he reflected. The experience was surreal, with standout moments like the taxi ride to the venue, where the sight of the Eiffel Tower underscored the magnitude of his achievement. It was a moment of validation, affirming his place among recognized artists on the global stage.

At the heart of Fingacode's art lies generative coding, a fusion of algorithms and artistic expression that gives life to his digital creations.

 "The simplest way I can describe it is like having a set of instructions within a box," he explained. It is a medium that allows me to explore infinite possibilities within the constraints of technology, creating visually stunning pieces that blur the lines between art and innovation."

For Fingacode, digital art and technology are not just tools but vital means for preserving and evolving African cultural narratives. "African youth need to embrace technology to document their experiences and participate in global conversations," he emphasized. It is a sentiment rooted in a deep belief in the power of art to shape perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and reclaim narratives.

As our conversation meandered to the topic of digital platforms, Fingacode's passion for community shone through. While exploring spaces like OpenSea and eyeing the potential of Polkadot, he expressed a keen sense of being platform-agnostic yet deeply invested in inclusivity. "The tech can be overwhelming," he admitted, stressing the importance of platforms being welcoming rather than daunting, especially for artists who might not be tech-savvy. "It's about the art, the community, not the complexity of the blockchain," he reflected, envisioning a digital art world that champions diversity and simplicity.

In an industry often overshadowed by complexity, Fingacode's stance underscores the need for simplicity and inclusivity. He values platforms that prioritize community engagement over technical prowess. "If I have to spend more time understanding a platform or blockchain vs actually doing the work, that can be a big deterrent," he explained.

As Fingacode explores new avenues and potential collaborations, his commitment to community-driven initiatives offers a glimpse into a more equitable digital art landscape. Ultimately, he reminds us that human connections and communities are the driving force behind innovation in the digital age.

Looking ahead, Fingacode's heart is set on keeping Africa at the center of his work. "Whatever I do, Africa is my muse," he says, a reminder of the power of art to connect us to our roots and to each other. Through Fingacode's eyes, we see more than just art; we see a journey of discovery, innovation, and the magic that happens when we dare to blend our past with the possibilities of the future.