Irene Mejane Epie is a multidisciplinary artist based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, whose work draws deeply from Cameroonian culture, storytelling, and identity. Born into a diplomatic family from the Bakossi tribe, Irene’s childhood was spent between continents, giving her a unique perspective on heritage and belonging. Her passion for art began at the age of three and remained strong despite early resistance to her artistic ambitions.
She studied at Yaba College of Art and Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, where she reconnected with African aesthetics and began exploring themes of identity and cultural memory. Her first exhibition in 1993 marked a turning point—ushering in a career dedicated to reclaiming and celebrating Cameroon’s traditions through painting, ceramics, and mixed media.
Over the years, Irene has exhibited widely in Cameroon, the United States, and beyond, earning recognition for her contribution to African art. Highlights include representing Cameroon in Women of the World, curated by Claudia DeMonte, and receiving an Award of Excellence at the Faces of Black Women exhibition in Ohio.
Today, Irene serves as Vice President of SOCADAP and mentors young artists, continuing her mission to tell stories rooted in African experience and inspire the next generation of creatives.
