Dog Smok Weed 2020

Curator: This compelling acrylic painting is "Dog Smok Weed" by Aboudia, created in 2020. Editor: My initial reaction? Chaos, vibrant chaos. The orange background feels claustrophobic, and these figures, particularly the central dog-like one, are both comical and unsettling. Curator: It's fascinating to see how Aboudia engages with the visual language of street art and graffiti. This painting acts as a visual record of contemporary Ivorian youth culture. What do you make of the work’s seemingly simple composition? Editor: Simple? It’s deceptively so. Look closer. The energetic brushstrokes and frantic linework remind me of Jean-Michel Basquiat, mirroring his ability to reflect social tension with child-like imagery. The layering and almost frantic energy suggest a sense of urgency, reflecting on street life and the marginalization present within it. It acts almost as social commentary on our modern anxieties, the dog embodies both power and vulnerability, right? Curator: Absolutely. And the recurring motifs, like the spectacled figures hovering around, are interpreted by many as the lingering impacts of neo-colonial governance in Africa and, thus, power structures. Do you find the directness in such choices radical in the face of art history? Editor: Yes, to an extent, but also very common to any form of outsider art. I’d say the boldness in its approach, coupled with the raw, unrefined aesthetic, actively resists conventional art hierarchies and exhibition ideals. This aesthetic invites participation, democratizing artistic dialogue. This particular subject, a "dog smok weed," pushes boundaries in the socio-political realm as a form of visual activism. What did the artist’s material choices suggest in this particular work? Curator: Aboudia's decision to use acrylics feels strategic; lending themselves to bright and saturated fields that mimic advertising. This makes one wonder whether it is commentary on consumption in our global market. His visual choices are very aligned with resistance to cultural norms. It’s important to look beyond the surface and interpret their statements. Editor: I see the overall experience of witnessing the piece, more so, a powerful statement on art’s capability to stimulate discourse, to instigate contemplation, and potentially prompt tangible societal transformation through aesthetic practice. Curator: I think so too! It’s an incredible conversation piece and testament to Aboudia's astute perception of societal structures.