International Artist: Doff at the Embassy of Chad

July 14, 2025July 13, 2025 MstldelanoLeave a comment

As promised, I wanted to share some additional photos from my visit to the Embassy of Chad during the 2024 Around The World Passport DC event. Previously, I discussed what you can expect during the first week of the event, and some strategies for maximizing your time at the participating embassies. However, I was moved by the striking artwork at the Embassy of Chad, and I felt the art deserved its own post.

The Embassy of Chad is one of the smaller spaces on Embassy Row, but don’t let that fool you: within the modest space was a gracious staff and a powerful art exhibit. The embassy’s walls featured the art of Doff, a Chadian artist that uses trash and other found materials to tenderly capture the beauty and heartbreak of life in Chad.

Caption under “Flower of Evil”, detailing the artist’s inspiration

Flower of Evil , 2024 (Made of bullet fragments)

The pieces masterfully use materials as their own storytelling devices, a tactic used with gut-wrenching effectiveness. One piece in particular, “Flower of Evil” is composed of used bullet casings, a clear reference to the warfare that has haunted Chad in previous decades.

Artist’s commentary on the importance of women in Africa

The intricate metal work, heartwarming depictions, and intimate understanding of the heart and soul of his people all make Doff an artist to watch. He has a gift that allows viewers to not only enjoy the art for what it is, but also prompts the audience to think behind the aesthetic and technical skill on display in each piece.

Artist’s comments that contrast the violence of male adulthood to the tender playfulness of childhood

I’m so glad that I took the time to visit this embassy, and I look forward to visiting them again.

travel

My Kenya Trip: Looking Back

February 2, 2021February 1, 2021 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Hi friends! I’m so happy to FINALLY share my videos from my trip to Kenya in 2018. I can’t believe it’s been almost THREE years since my trip!

I wrote multiple posts about my Nairobi adventures on this blog. I was enthralled by the art, I loved the food, I was captivated by the national museum, and my safari experience was incredible. So you all are well aware that I loved my time there. But, I had video that I had not yet shared, until now.

I posted this on my YouTube channel and now I’m sharing it over here. I speak specifically about how I manifested this trip because yes, it was a manifestation. I used the power of intention and focus to bring my dream trip into fruition. I loved this manifestation, and I’m excited that I get to share those details with you all!

That’s it for today. I hope you all enjoy this post, and I’ll talk to you all tomorrow.

art

A Slice of the Congo in Richmond, VA: Congo Masks Exhibition

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Happy Hump Day, friends! While I haven’t been able to get to the Smithsonian Institute or National Gallery of Art for several months ( it’s been awhile since I’ve been in Washington DC, and then there was a shutdown), I have had a chance to check out local museums. Recently, I went to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to get a dose of African art. I viewed the Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa exhibition. This collection of masks from the Democratic Republic of the Congo offers Virginians a rare glimpse into the mystical and captivating world of African art, celebration, and ritual.

I am so glad that VMFA is displaying these treasures. I’ll do an in-depth analysis of the exhibition in a future post. In the meantime, here are a few photos from the exhibition. Enjoy!