Frédéric Bruly BouabréThe Revealer - Curated by 404 Art Collection
ArtLife Gallery is pleased to announce “The Revealer”, the first exhibition in Miami of the late Ivorian artist Frédéric Bruly Bouabré (1923-2014), in collaboration with The General Consulate of Ivory Coast in NYC, featuring more than 120 drawings from the artist estate, curated by 404 Art Collection.
From October 30th to November 30th, 2023
Installation Views
Artwork
In the vast realm of contemporary African art, the works of Frédéric Bruly Bouabré stand as a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and creativity.
We are honored to present Frédéric Bruly Bouabré's “The Revealer,” an exhibition that invites viewers to delve into the remarkable world of one of Africa's most revered visionary artists.
Bouabré was not only an artist but a polymath, philosopher, and collector of knowledge. He is celebrated for his lifelong commitment to documenting the wisdom of his culture through his unique visual language.
Central to this exhibition is his remarkable "Knowledge of the World" series, a compendium of ideograms, each symbolizing a piece of traditional wisdom, proverbs, and insights passed down through generations.
His work, in this series and beyond, is a testament to the enduring power of spoken tradition and the vocal transmission of knowledge in Africa.
With a discerning eye and an unyielding dedication to the preservation of his heritage, he undertook the monumental task of translating this vast vocal treasury into a written and visual form.
Each of his ideograms encapsulates a piece of collective memory, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through his ethnic group, the Bété people, and discover their rich cultural tapestry.
The "Knowledge of the World" series reflects his profound respect for nature and his culture. The ideograms are crafted with striking simplicity, offering a visual language that allows us to explore the depths of African knowledge. His work exudes a sense of harmony and unity, bridging the worlds of tradition and modernity and inviting you to traverse the vast landscapes of the Ivory Coast, explore the depths of African culture, and delve into the intricate interplay between knowledge, art, and tradition.
“The Revealer” is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to preserving the heart and soul of his people through the unifying power of visual storytelling. He believed that knowledge, once shared, holds the power to unite, illuminate, and transform the world. We hope that through this exhibition, you will embark on your own journey of discovery, gaining a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity and culture.