Frédéric Bruly Bouabré
Mali | Painting
Works that reflect on contemporary Malian society, using a simplified, almost childlike visual language.
Exhibitions
Frédéric Bruly Bouabré: World Unbound
2022 - Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA
A major retrospective exhibition that highlighted Bouabré’s extensive body of work, including his iconic "Alphabet Bété," a writing system he invented to transcribe the Bété language, and his series of small, colorful drawings that depict various aspects of life, history, and spirituality.
Documenta 11
2002 - Kassel, Germany
Bouabré’s work was included in this prestigious international exhibition, where his detailed and symbolic drawings garnered significant attention for their exploration of African cultural heritage and knowledge systems.
In and Out of Africa: African Art from the Ivory Coast
1996 - National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., USA
Group exhibition that included Bouabré’s work, focusing on the art and culture of Côte d'Ivoire, with his pieces reflecting his deep interest in preserving and transmitting African cultural knowledge.
Frédéric Bruly Bouabré: Knowledge is Power
2011 - The Drawing Center, New York, USA
A solo exhibition that showcased Bouabré’s intricate drawings and his efforts to create a universal language through his "Alphabet Bété," emphasizing his belief in the power of art and knowledge to transcend cultural boundaries.
Magiciens de la Terre
1989 - Centre Pompidou, Paris, France
Bouabré was one of the artists featured in this groundbreaking exhibition that sought to present non-Western art on equal footing with Western contemporary art, highlighting his work as a significant contribution to global art discourse.
Africa Remix: Contemporary Art of a Continent
2005 - Centre Pompidou, Paris, France
Group exhibition featuring Bouabré’s work among other leading African artists, showcasing the diversity and richness of contemporary African art and its engagement with global themes.