By CLARE GEMIMA
June 27, 2024
Facing Aboudia's most recent paintings at Ethan Cohen's latest venue, one was instantly captivated by the vibrant interplay of color, form, and texture. The artist's dedication to children and education resonates deeply within each canvas, serving as a testament to the profound motivations driving his artistry.
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, few stories are as compelling as that of an Ivory Coast street artist who, despite humble beginnings, has carved a significant niche through his evocative, layered, and tagged paintings. Emerging from the depths of poverty, his journey into the art world is as transformative as the pieces he creates. Aboudia’s journey began on the streets, where his early exposure to the stark realities of poverty and conflict found an outlet through mark making. He was fortunate enough to encounter missionaries who recognized his talent and facilitated his education at a local art school which turned out to be a crucial step in his development. These early experiences not only shaped his artistic style, but imbued his work with a profound sense of purpose and commitment to social advocacy.
Central to Aboudia's oeuvre is the innovative "Nouchi style," a sophisticated fusionof his African heritage and contemporary urban influences. "Nouchi" itself is a contact language that emerged on the streets of urban Côte d'Ivoire between the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Initially the lingua franca of the uneducated and unemployed youth, Nouchi quickly gained status as the language of Ivoirian identity, blending Ivory Coast dialects with French. Aboudia's "Nouchi style" is distinguished by the integration of stencils and tags, rooted in his graffiti origins but elevatedthrough refined layering techniques of acrylic paint and carelessly adhered embellishments. Artworks, like X-Ray Tag, Nous sommes la mode, and Le voyage du héros (all 2024), form a rich tapestry of references, juxtaposing traditional African tribal mask references with elements of hip street art.
The artist’s use of collage is particularly noteworthy, often blending African tribal art with elements from Western culture to create provocative, insightful, and even uncomfortable dialogues. Notably, Aboudia engages with the themes of the controversial Primitivism exhibition curated by Bill Rubin at the MoMA in 1984, offering a critical commentary by way of his deliberate inclusion of confrontational catalogue cut-outs of works made by Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin, and Brancusi.Aboudia challenges viewers to reconsider the complexities of cultural exchange and prompts reflection upon the responsibilities of gradually globalizing institutions.
The political turmoil in the Ivory Coast, especially the second Civil War that erupted in 2011, significantly influenced Aboudia's artistic trajectory. His war paintings, created amidst the conflict, garnered international attention and were featured inbroadcasted media coverage. This pivotal exposure led to Aboudia’s work featuring in Saatchi’s 2014 exhibition, Pangea: New Art from Africa and Latin America, and subsequently attracted support from prominent international galleries. These paintings not only documented the strife on the ground, but also served as apoignant commentary on the socio-political landscape of his homeland, inviting the rest of the world to acknowledge these issues. His work continues to resonate with an international audience, sparking global conversations around heritage, conflict, and lesser known minority groups.
Aboudia’s recent residency at Ethan Cohen’s newest space in New York marked a significant chapter in his career. During this period, influenced by the city's vibrant street culture, he created a series of new works that incorporate elements like ripped billboard posters and fashion advertisements that seamlessly blend amongst his figurative and playful motifs. His Nouchi style bridges his African heritage with contemporary street art, showcasing a unique visual language that innovates while staying rooted in cultural legacy. Beyond his artistic practice, Aboudia is deeply committed to philanthropy, having established a foundation supporting children in Africa with healthcare, art supplies, and educational opportunities.
His story is a reminder of art's capacity to transcend boundaries and serve as a beacon of hope and change. Each piece he creates is a layered narrative, revealing new insights with every viewing, much like the slow revelation of his figures in the stripped-back exhibition space. The nuanced interplay between tradition and modernity, personal and political narratives, and local as well as global perspectives renders Aboudia’s work a sophisticated and resonant addition to the contemporary, western-rejecting canon.
