ABOUT
Born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and a proud native of Bali Nyonga, Babila Idris NUBEA is a realistic figurative artist whose monochromatic works interrogate the spiritual and psychological dimensions of the human figure. Using charcoal, graphite, and mixed media, he creates hyperrealistic pieces that emphasize identity, resilience, and cultural continuity.
His minimalist approach privileges depth, shadow, and texture over color, allowing each piece to carry emotional weight and quiet narrative power. Through careful control of light and form, his works invite intimate reflection and sustained attention. Influenced by a family legacy of sculptors and jazz musicians, Babila developed an early connection to art through frequent visits to his father’s studio during childhood. Those formative moments laid the foundation for a lifelong engagement with artistic expression. Largely self taught, he began refining his practice with greater intensity during the COVID 19 pandemic, gradually shaping a distinct visual language.
His work has since evolved into series such as The Hand Series, Afro Forms, and Controlled Rebellion which honor tradition while questioning perception, symbolism, and identity. In 2024, he worked as a gallery assistant at ART DUBAI, gaining firsthand experience within the international art ecosystem. In 2025, Babila presented CONTROLLED REBELLION, a body of work exploring resistance within cultural and societal structures. That same year, he was selected as one of the finalists of the Prix Diane Audrey Ngako 2025. His works were acquired by collectors and exhibited internationally, including during MAP25 in Spain. He has also taken part in several group exhibitions locally, strengthening his presence within the Cameroonian art scene.
Through his practice, Babila Idris continues to preserve cultural memory, explore identity, and empower narratives rooted in heritage, carrying forward a generational legacy grounded in creativity, discipline, and pride.