Frédéric Bruly Bouabré

Acquired directly from the artist
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Paris, Galerie Art-Z, Africa Now, 2016-2017

Please note these works have not been examined unframed. The works appear to be fixed down and exhibit some minor creasing to the corners as well as minor surface marks throughout. The works also exhibits some minor discoloration, 'Le sens du message l'annon ce d'une fete feminine dansée, en Afrique aux heures matinales!!!!'shows some staining to the lower margin. Otherwise, the works appear to be in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

On March 11, 1948, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré left his life as a public servant behind and became an artist. On that day, Bouabré says: ‘the heavens opened up before my eyes and seven colourful suns described a circle of beauty around their Mother-Sun. I became Cheik Nadro: "He who does not forget"’ (Andre Magnin, African Art Now, 2005, p. 74). In the years that followed, the artist would become a polymath, dedicating himself to conducting extensive research in fields such as philosophy, art, language and tradition, amongst many others.

Born in Zéprégühé, Ivory Coast, as a member of the Bété community, Bouabré was one of the first from this historically non-literate group to be exposed to written language. This exposure, in combination with a desire to preserve Bété history and knowledge, sparked the artist’s desire to create a new alphabet. With 448 characters, this pictorial alphabet, ‘which can transcribe all human sounds, reflects the essence of [the artist’s] thoughts: to achieve universality and to unite mankind’ (Andre Magnin, African Art Now, 2005, p. 74).Bouabré documented each character in the form of postcard-sized works made with pen and coloured pencil.