Deux Amis 2018

Editor: Here we have Aboudia’s “Deux Amis,” created in 2018 using mixed media. The childlike figures against the frantic background create a juxtaposition that I find unsettling yet intriguing. As an Ivorian artist, how do you interpret this piece in relation to the social or cultural contexts from which it emerged? Curator: Well, I think it is crucial to understand Aboudia's work through the lens of Côte d'Ivoire's recent history, especially the political instability and violence. Aboudia's street art style reflects the vibrant yet precarious energy of Abidjan's urban environment. Have you considered the way children's imagery appears to subvert societal expectations? Editor: It hadn't fully clicked, but now that you mention the precarious energy and link that to the childhood imagery, the intensity of the colors and somewhat raw presentation carries even greater weight. Why focus on children, do you think? Curator: The focus on children is really central here. Children often represent innocence and vulnerability. The incorporation of graffiti art, rooted in marginalized communities' expressions, serves as a powerful tool for amplifying the voices often unheard. This choice isn't merely stylistic; it serves as social commentary. What message is being shared by depicting these subjects? Editor: Perhaps he's inviting viewers to see the world through the eyes of the next generation? Curator: Exactly. And by combining that perspective with the rawness of street art, Aboudia critiques power structures while also acknowledging a resilience in the face of hardship. His visual vocabulary makes the children witnesses and survivors. Editor: Thank you, I really appreciate learning about the importance of considering historical and sociopolitical context. I hadn’t made such a strong connection initially. Curator: And I appreciate your insights into Aboudia's expressive choices. It’s fascinating how contemporary art can embody and reflect complex histories.