Frédéric Bruly Bouabré

Acquired directly from the artist via André Magnin by the present owner c. 2007

Frédéric Bruly Bouabré is a pioneering and singular figure in Ivorian contemporary art. His unique visual lexicon has distinguished the artist for their philosophical force. Born in Zéprégühé, Ivory Coast, Bouabré's artistic journey began in the 1940s, driven by a desire to document and preserve the cultural heritage of his Bété ethnic group. Renowned for his intricate drawings and ideographic symbols, Bouabré developed a comprehensive system of over 4,000 characters, which he referred to as "écriture africaine." Through this system, he sought to encapsulate universal concepts, ranging from cosmology and spirituality to everyday observations, creating a visual vocabulary that transcends linguistic and cultural conventions, African or otherwise.

Bouabré's oeuvre is characterized by its simplicity and depth, with each symbol and composition offering myriad layers of overlapping meaning and inducing contemplation in the minds of their viewers. His vibrant drawings, often rendered on small index cards, convey a sense of wonder and curiosity. Often exhibited in large groupings, these works constitute an atlas of the artist’s inner consciousness. Despite his humble materials and self-taught approach, Bouabré's work has garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at prominent institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His enduring legacy as a visionary artist and cultural ambassador continues to inspire generations of artists and scholars, occupying the vast expanse between traditional African art and the global contemporary art discourse.

This series was originally recorded in a handwritten book, with an associated text dated to 1975, which remains in the estate of the artist. The book constitutes the original series inventory. The present lot, Musée du visage africain (3rd Version) is the last version of this series. The first version dates from the 1980s and remains incomplete and dispersed. The second version, dating from 1991, is complete but in a smaller format.