Contemporary art is essential in Abidjan
If Abidjan (Ivory Coast) is well known for being the “capital of joy”, the Ivorian capital also wants to impose itself in contemporary art. Let’s take a closer look at what the city offers.
A biennale of contemporary art in Abidjan?
Contemporary African art lovers have already heard of the biennales in Dakar and Bamako. Well, we must also count that of Abidjan. In truth it is not a new event; it has just been less publicized than the biennials mentioned above, so far. Yet there is plenty of talent and the works of art are of high quality.
BINA – Biennale of Naive Arts of Abidjan
Last December, parked at the traffic light of a crossroads of Abidjan, I discovered a poster announcing the program of the 6th edition of the Biennial of Naïve Arts of Abidjan, BINA. The art lover, especially African arts, that I am, didn’t think twice. The next day I went to the place indicated.
The main exhibition organized at the French Cultural Center highlighted the productions of Ivorian artists, West African artists and Central Africa. Paintings, drawings and photos… For 16 days, Abidjan set the stage for contemporary art. Young art lovers, visitors to the CCF library or simply curious people stopped to admire them.
The Art World Foundation
The closing ceremony took place at the Art World Foundation, organizer of BINA. The president of this organization, Augustin Kassi, is himself an artist. You have probably already seen at least one of her most famous creations: Les Femmes Grosses (above).
In addition to organizing the Biennial of Naive Arts of Abidjan, Augustin is very involved in the artistic transmission. This is the whole purpose of the Art World Foundation, which welcomes, accompanies and mentors children and young people. The awakening to cultures, intangible heritage and the arts are at the heart of the actions of this organization. This is an initiative that deserves to be highlighted.
Visual arts increasingly visible in Abidjan
The first edition of the Visu’art Festival was organized in Abidjan on July 21st and 22nd 2019. Illustrators, portrait painters, graphic artists and even photographers gathered to present their works. In a country where music is certainly the most prominent artistic discipline, visual artists are increasingly asserting their presence
At the same time, they also enjoy recognition outside the borders of Côte d’Ivoire. For example, photographer Joana Choumali. To date, Aya de Yopougon is certainly the most famous contemporary African comic book in Africa and in the African diasporas.
Enjoy your stay in Ivory Coast to discover also the artistic heritage of the country, and those who move the lines of contemporary Ivorian art.
