Côte d’Ivoire: the second edition of Abidjan Art Week brings together fourteen art galleries

The second edition ofAbidjan Art Week is in full swing in Côte d’Ivoire until Sunday April 27. During this event, fourteen art galleries open their doors to the public, offering conferences, exhibitions and cultural encounters.

Artistic immersion with great talent

In his studio, Sadikou Oukpedjo sculpts a bust from a eucalyptus trunk, the latest in a series of 160 portraits dedicated to the forgotten slaves of the island of Tromelin. Through her works, exhibited at the Fondation Donwahi and Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, the artist invites us to reflect deeply on the memory of slavery. “I wanted to convey the expression of a resilient person who has accepted his fate,” he explains.

A cultural trail through the city

At the same time, twelve other art centers in Abidjan are taking part in this week dedicated to contemporary creation. The aim is clear: to broaden access to art beyond professional circles. “It’s essential to reach out to students and senior citizens alike,” stresses Professor Yacouba Konaté, one of the event’s initiators.

A cultural itinerary has been set up, with free buses to encourage the discovery of lesser-known galleries, such as La Baraque, run by Astride Yaoba. “We’re expecting a strong response from the young creative scene, but also the economic spin-offs we need to support these artists,” she explains.

Momentum from the very first edition

For its first edition, Abidjan Art Week took advantage of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) to raise its profile. Once again this year, the event confirms its ambition to make Abidjan a major crossroads for contemporary art in West Africa.