Bôba Mènde, an artist and filmmaker from Germany, embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and creativity. Originally known as Marcel Klein, a name that carries the meaning of “little” in German, Bôba Mènde experienced a profound transformation when this new identity came to mind several years ago. Since then, he has embraced a sense of resonance akin to that of a baby, characterized by spontaneity, intuition, and a profound sense of peace when energies find harmony.
Central to Bôba Mènde’s inspiration is the love he receives from his family – an older sister named Denise, a mother named Diana, and a father named Armin. This familial bond has provided him with the strength to believe in the possibility of everlasting love within a close-knit family unit, forming the foundation from which his artistry blossoms.
His art, akin to constellations of trees, offers various perspectives from different angles. Bôba Mènde envisions himself as an integral part of these interconnected trees, united through the mycelium of existence, just like all beings and elements in nature. The notion of giving oneself freely, like nature does, becomes a profound guiding principle in his life and work.
As a filmmaker and artist, Bôba Mènde’s creativity knows no bounds. Through his artistic expressions, he delves into the depths of human existence, nature’s wonders, and the intertwined relationships that bind us all. His work is a poignant exploration of the human experience, infused with the richness of his German heritage and the diverse cultural tapestry of his surroundings.
One of his notable works is the video art collage, SANANA GAIA YA. Inspired by the concept of “buen vivir,” a good life for everybody and Mother Earth alike, Bôba Mènde explores the essence of a joyful existence. Through the eyes of a Mexican friend, he perceives this good life as one that involves “smiling all day long.” The experience fills him with optimism, gratitude, truth, honesty, integrity, and an unyielding appreciation for life’s moments. He emphasizes the precious gift of being present in nature’s embrace.
Throughout his journey, Bôba Mènde has encountered remarkable individuals from diverse cultures worldwide. Each encounter has taught him valuable lessons on the path to happiness, revealing the significance of kindness and solidarity. Acts as simple as a smile, a hug, a warm meal, a safe place to rest, or a heartfelt conversation have left lasting imprints on his soul.
In his poetic piece, “Die schneidende GREaTA frAge,” Bôba Mènde traverses the bustling metropolis, attuned to the beating heart of Mother Earth beneath its concrete facade. He reminisces about planting and playing like children in the gardens and forests, cherishing the nourishment of plants, sweet fruits, vegetables, and berries. Amidst this connection with nature, he contemplates how to impart the wisdom of caring for the earth and all its inhabitants to future generations.
A profound yearning for freedom and unity emerges in his words, akin to the untamed spirit of the black panther. This primal desire transcends boundaries, mirroring the natural existence of humans and animals alike. He longs for a world where individual fountains, representing diverse lives and experiences, unite to form a harmonious flow of existence.
Bôba Mènde’s artistic voyage is an exploration of human existence, nature’s wonders, and the intertwined relationships that bind us all. Through his work, he strives to bring joy, harmony, and awareness to our interconnectedness with the world. As he continues to evolve as an artist and filmmaker, he remains grateful for the beautiful souls he has met along the way, each contributing to shaping his own identity, and he shares his gratitude for their influence on his journey of self-discovery and creativity.
