OpenArtExchange presents ‘Gléhoué – Home of the Earth,’ a group exhibition with works from Beninese artists, such as Tchif Tchiakpe, Marcel Kpoho, Rafiy Okefolahan and Elise Takoudagba, on display until June 29th.
The exhibition features these four artists, whose work is deeply influenced by Benin’s dual legacy of grandeur and sorrow, as well as its enduring spiritual and religious heritage.
Tchif Tchiakpe, a renowned artist from Cotonou, is reviving his abstract roots in figurative abstraction. His latest series explores the dualities of life, personal and societal, and their universal aspects. His mask-like portraits, composed of intricate lines and colors, are simple yet intricate.
Marcel Kpoho, born in 1988 in Porto Novo, uses Yoruba Ife elements to create unique sculptures from recycled tire slices. His work reflects on humanity’s darker aspects and offers a masculine meditation on human identity. Kpoho’s sculptures range from life-sized to wall pieces, serving as symbolic protection and elevating the soul through their contemplative nature.
Rafiy Okefolahan, born in 1979 in Porto Novo, is a versatile artist who has a passion for painting. Inspired by urban life, he creates vibrant, neo-expressionist pieces with dynamic energy. His abstractly layered figures, reminiscent of Basquiat and Bacon, represent a unique voice in the contemporary art scene.
Elise Takoudagba, a 1978 Abomey native, is a self-taught painter and sculptor with roots in Voudoun imagery and ceramic sculpture. Her contemporary work includes colorful sculptures and ceramics, representing various Voudoun deities and Dahomey’s spiritual traditions.
‘Gléhoué – Home of the Earth’ is the first exhibition of a series exploring African contemporary art, challenging the notion that it doesn’t exist. The series engages with artists from various African regions, allowing their stories to unfold organically. The exhibition begins in Southern Benin, the historical heartland of the traditional Vodoun religion and a hub for indigenous spiritual practices. The region has a rich history, including kingdoms, battles, and legendary heroes like the Amazons. However, it also has profound tragedies, including the slave trade’s atrocities.
Source: OpenArtExchange
