Head (2014)
signed 'Aboudia' (lower left); bears Jack Bell exhibition label (verso)
acrylic and oil pastel on canvas
200 x 125cm (78 3/4 x 49 3/16in).

Footnotes

Now an internationally acclaimed artist, the epic scale of this painting reminds us of Aboudia's creative roots. He trained as a mural painter at the Technical Centre of Applied Arts in Bingerville. His characteristic naïf style is inspired by the graffiti tagged on the walls of his neighbourhood by local kids. Aboudia feels a strong connection to these youths, having also left home as a teen. His family objected to his artistic aspirations, and so he set out to pursue his dream alone.

He often spent time at the Abobo railway station, a meeting point for many marginalised youths. The walls were a place to experiment. Aboudia says that tagging the streets allowed "these kids to express what was deep within them. It occurred to me - because I had also been there - to try to transmit the message portrayed by their pictures on canvas".

Saleroom notices

Please note: There is temporary import tax payable on this item. Provenance: Jack Bell Gallery, London; The Saatchi Collection London; A private collection. Exhibited: London, Jack Bell Gallery, "Aboudia: Trin Trin Ba-By", October, 2014 London, Saatchi Gallery, "Pangea II: New Art From Africa And Latin America", March, 2015, illust pg. 23.

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