Art Africain (2009) Drawing by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré

Frédéric Bruly Bouabré (1923-2014) was an Ivorian artist whose life and work left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Ivory Coast and beyond. Born in Zépréguhé, Ivory Coast, Bouabré was one of the first Ivorians to receive formal education under the French colonial administration. This exposure to education would later intersect profoundly with his artistic endeavors.

The turning point in Bouabré's life came on March 11, 1948, when he experienced a vision that would become a guiding force in his artistic journey. This vision served as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping much of his later work and imbuing it with a unique spiritual dimension.

Despite working as a clerk in various government offices, Bouabré dedicated himself to his artistic practice, producing hundreds of small drawings over the years. His drawings spanned a wide range of subjects, often drawing from local folklore and his own visionary experiences. These works formed part of a larger cycle known as "World Knowledge," reflecting Bouabré's quest to capture and convey the breadth of human understanding and experience.

One of Bouabré's most significant contributions to Ivorian culture was the creation of a universal Bété syllabary comprising 448 letters. This innovative linguistic system allowed Bouabré to transcribe the oral traditions of his people, the Bétés, preserving their cultural heritage in a written form.

Bouabré's visual language was characterized by its simplicity and symbolic imagery, often accompanied by text. He utilized ballpoint pens and crayons to create around 1,000 small cards, each containing a unique divinatory message and reflections on life and history.

His artistic legacy is preserved in collections around the world, including The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) of Meshac Gaba. One of his emblematic works, "Une divine peinture relevée sur le corps d'une mandarine jaunie" (A divine painting found on the body of a yellowed mandarin), created in 1994 in Abidjan, is housed in the L'appartement 22 collection, a testament to Bouabré's enduring impact on the African art scene.

Frédéric Bruly Bouabré's artistic vision transcended cultural boundaries, bridging the gap between traditional African art and contemporary global discourse. His legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences alike, reflecting the richness and complexity of human experience.

• Nationality: CÔTE D’IVOIRE
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Ivorian Artists