AKAA Paris (2024)
We’re thrilled to return to AKAA Paris for the fourth time! This year, we’ll be showcasing the works of Tchif Tchiakpe (1973, Cotonou) and Marcel Kpoho (1988, Porto Novo). Visit us from October 18-20 at Booth A2, Carreau du Temple.
To request an invitation, email us at info@openartexchange.com. If you can't make it in person, the artworks will also be available online in our Artsy viewing room from October 15-29.
AKAA
AKAA – Also Known As Africa – the first and foremost contemporary art fair focused on Africa in France, reflects an Africa with many facets that transcends borders and whose voices resonate around the world, carried by the vision of each artist. For its 9th edition, AKAA returns to the Carreau du Temple from October 18 to 20, 2024. This year, AKAA continues to highlight the conversations Africa has with the Americas and the Caribbean, particularly by spotlighting the ultramarine scene. Special showcases by invited artists and curators will amplify the voices of these vibrant artistic scenes from France’s overseas territories.
Visit the AKAA website for more information
OpenArtExchange - Booth A2
At AKAA Paris 2024, we present a selection of art works from our exhibition “Gléhoué – Home of the earth”, the first in a new series exploring the diversity of African contemporary art. Born from the notion “African contemporary art does not exist”, this series seeks to show a glimpse of the vast diversity in contemporary art from Africa by visiting artists in various countries or regions of the continent and rather let the stories evolve from there, than working from a pre-conceived theme or narrative.
The first stop in this artistic journey is Southern Benin, cradle of the African traditional Vodoun religion and home to other related religions with rich spiritual traditions going back to the earliest of times. Steeped in a grand ancient history full of powerful kingdoms, ferocious wars, source of great pride with many tales about glorious heroes, the amazons, incredible bravery and loyalty beyond belief. Also home to a past full of tragedies, full of the most unbelievable cruelties and suffering, with the darkest era of slave trade at its heart. The earth of Benin has witnessed the best and the worst of mankind, encompassing all. For AKAA 2024, we have selected 2 of the 4 participating artists, who are firmly rooted in this dual history and the religious and spiritual heritage that still breaths in every corner of Beninese society.
Tchif Tchiakpe
Tchif Tchiakpe (1973, Cotonou), a master colorist of Fon descent, known for his abstract works and connection to Gléhoué (Ouidah) and Vodoun beliefs, returns to figurative abstract painting at AKAA. His new works explore life's duality and universality, resulting in poetic, mask-like portraits that are beautiful and bold in their apparent simplicity, with every line and color meticulously crafted.
Marcel Kpoho
Marcel Kpoho (1988, Porto Novo), an emerging artist of Fon descent, creates a black universe with sculptures made from recycled tire slices. His use of non-biodegradable rubber tires highlights environmental issues while symbolizing the dark, mysterious side of humanity. His works, from large-scale to wall sculptures, have a raw, edgy quality, confronting viewers with masculine reflections of human identity. At AKAA, his "masques" explore spiritual mediation to elevate and illuminate the soul.
