The Unexpected Universe (2021)
Step into a semi-abstract realm, where Fulani symbols and dreamlike patterns narrate tales of humanism and resilience.
Experience the intricate geometries and fragile architectures of Amadou's black and white visions, accented with hints of color
The solo exhibition ‘The unexpected universe’ with paintings and collages by Sanda Amadou (Benin) can be seen from Saturday 10 July. During the festive opening weekend we will provide snacks and drinks during your visit. The exhibition can be visited until September 5, during which time we are closed during the summer holidays from August 4 to 25.
About The unexpected universe
The unexpected universe is a largely black and white world with a tinge of colour, somewhere between reality and fantasy. With his unique semi-abstract visual language, Amadou reinterprets the nomadic Fulani universe and brings it to life. A dream world formed by various entangled and sometimes overlapping elements (ropes, lianas, knots, leaves, circles and other patterns from the ancient Fulani tattoos), narrative about humanism, resistance, tenacity, resilience, courage, freedom, and some other observations.
His works seem to obey a rigorous geometry and form complex architectures, which are simultaneously playful and surprisingly fragile. Lines, circles, triangles and quadrilaterals, semi-mathematical figures that are never perfect, connect Fulani symbols of natural life with ropes at the base. His images result in imaginary forms and grotesque figures that show a ragged vulnerability, ethereal and always in motion. They allow the viewer to glimpse an unreal essence.
About Sanda Amadou
Sanda Amadou was born and raised in 1978 in a Fulani community in Northern Benin. He holds a PhD in Sociolinguistics (University of Ghana, Accra) and received art education through residencies and master’s workshops. He lived and worked in Lagos for several years, but returned to Cotonou, Benin in 2019. From his early childhood he drew, fascinated by the culture of the nomadic Fulani, which he still studies and reinterprets.
Amadou is a recognized artist both domestically and internationally. He has participated in many solo and collective exhibitions over the years, including in Benin Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Dubai, Germany, the Netherlands and the US (San Fransisco and New York) and has been featured at major international art exhibitions and fairs such as World Art Dubai and at ARTX Lagos (Nigeria), and AKAA Paris (2021).