Curated by Jeremy Demester, artspace Atlantic in Ouidah welcomes Esther MAHLANGU and Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA to a group show running until August 25. In a communicative atmosphere blending know-how, experience and creativity, the works of these two imminent figures of contemporary African art aesthetically furnish the walls of Benin’s new art space.
In a compelling artistic dialogue, these two players on the creative scene, one from South Africa, the other from Benin, share their cultures across borders. Their artistic approaches collide and ignite, communicating narratives specific to each of the exhibition’s protagonists. Esther MAHLANGU and Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA use their works as bridges between continents to depict their cultural heritage with passion and creativity: Ndebele for Esther MAHLANGU and Fon for Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA.
From simple pictorial layers to complex geometric figures and paintings of captivating mythical characters, the works on display in the art space represent a brief amassing of the historical and philosophical diversity of the lands and regions that saw the birth and growth of these artists and their arts.
Both driven by a desire to preserve and protect, their creations take on this immutable interest. Transcending traditional barriers by removing the works from their original settings, Esther MAHLANGU and Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA manage to preserve the very essence of their canvases thanks to their experience in the field. Direct contact with the people allows them to transcribe with emotion and precision the cultural values they identify, while facilitating their transport across the globe.
Extracting a part of one’s heritage is not a trivial gesture, but rather an act that stems from a genuine concern for the common good. It’s about educating and introducing the world to other cultures and traditions. From wall to canvas like flying carpets, these immutable works travel like messengers, crossing continents with the aim of educating and introducing people to the African regions of Esther MAHLANGU and Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA.
These painters and imminent figures on the African art scene, navigating between the traditional and the contemporary, have decided to share their perspective with the world in a beautiful creative ensemble. Through their contribution, they enjoin us to look at time as a material, painting as a message.
Over time, the walls, both fragile and witnesses to historical narratives, crumble and crumble away, while the works of art endure. Their mission is to teach us the humble desire to write a non-verbal story as close as possible to the experience of a human life.
Artspace Atlantic in Ouidah until August 25 is the place where unpublished paintings by Esther MAHLANGU and Cyprien TOKOUDAGBA team up with a specific aim: to educate visitors about Beninese and South African culture and traditions.