Participate in a space exploration on the convergence of the link between space and humanity through exclusive mixed-media contemporary art. Until September 16, 2023, contemporary artists Férielle Doulain-Zouary and Gérard Quenum present “A TRIBUTE TO SPATIALITY“, a glimpse into their ancillary understanding of spatiality at Cotonou’s SEPTIEME Gallery.
“A TRIBUTE TO SPATIALITY” translates the indelible link between space and a humanity living in this indelimitable environment with indiscernible contours. Spatiality is the significant term used to describe the relationship between these two entities. In an additional approach, Férielle Doulain-Zouary and Gérard Quenum’s exhibition “A TRIBUTE TO SPATIALITY” invites us to take a look at this seemingly empty space, full of substance created by the very nature of society.
Férielle Doulain-Zouary examines the different ways in which the natural and artificial worlds coexist. Of French-Tunisian origin, the artist explores the relationship between art, the environment and weaving, and then perceives the different ways of materially representing the results of these investigations. Using media such as sculpture, installation and weaving, Férielle Doulain-Zouary’s creations provide a reflective image of everyday life, the environment and the ancillary elements that make it up. The relevance of her work and her technique, based on handicrafts, provoke exchanges and questions from the public.
Transcending cultures and societies with contemporary art that combines tradition and modernity, Beninese artist Gérard Quenum is rapidly making his mark on the Beninese contemporary art scene. With an aesthetic and highly elaborate artistic practice, he takes a global and universal approach to humanity, exploring and linking continents, cultures, histories, generations and peoples. The centerpiece of this vast network is the unique contemporary art of Gérard Quenum, whose canvases materialize the whole range of visual perception and culture through uncertain characters with white backgrounds and limited colors.
In their exhibition, “A TRIBUTE TO SPATIALITY“, Férielle Doulain-Zouary and Gérard Quenum take us on a journey of discovery of the unspeakable, of the transparency of the relationships and elements that surround and compose our space. An expert in the field of textiles, Férielle Doulain-Zouary weaves the invisible texts of the world with raw materials from her environment, in reference to her manual style. The Tunisian artist lets herself be surprised by the shapes these natural elements take on once in contact with this over-present environment.
Gérard Quenum’s paintings analyze the relationship between body and space. The body is an energy collector, absorbing and releasing flows while maintaining a certain balance. The Beninese artist represents this flow of energy through a restricted color palette, perceiving the body as a pathway to space. The white backgrounds of Gérard Quenum’s canvases allow viewers to observe the radiance that emanates from our being, as well as our own spatiality conferred by this space that is both empty and full.
In their singular exhibition “A TRIBUTE TO SPATIALITY“, Férielle Doulain-Zouary and Gérard Quenum inform us about the various connecting elements that are external to us and link us to one another. They analyze the term “spatiality” in all its depths, and reveal to us, through the communion of their contemporary arts, an additional perceptive view of the world.