OBOU GBAIS

​Obou Gbais, born in 1992 in Guiglo, west of Ivory Coast, is a contemporary artist who obtained his painting diploma in 2019 at the National School of Fine Arts in Abidjan. He lives and works between Abidjan and Berlin. After experimenting with different techniques, Obou found his artistic identity which he draws from the cultural traditions of his origins.
In the artist's works, the mask acquires a new international visibility and modern significance.
Among the Yacouba, the Dan mask has a great sacred dimension. Feminine Dan masks are known for placing great emphasis on facial beauty. The function of these masks is to mediate disagreements and protect newborns. The face of male Dan masks is more realistic. It has a vital force and protects from dangers.
Obou proudly integrates his traditions and customs into his creations because they are an integral part of his culture; Through a mirror effect, he wishes to challenge the visitor and invite him to his own cultural introspection.

Since 2017, Obou has exhibited his work in national and international exhibitions. In 2021, he presents his drawings on paper as part of the online exhibition 1-54 New-York. During the summer of 2021, he participates in residencies in Paris, Chambéry, Montpellier and Sète. In October 2022, it is exhibited by Tumo Gallery at the Scope Art Show in Miami Beach. In Abidjan, Obou presented his exhibition “Man Dan” at the LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery. A large installation of cardboard houses was presented in March 2022 at the 193 Gallery as part of the “Babi est deux” exhibition in Paris. For the Off Dakar Biennale 2022, Obou exhibited his art at the Loman Art Gallery. It was also exhibited at the Vytautas Kasiulis Museum of Art in Vilnius, at Filafriques in Geneva and at the “Contemporary Identities of Ivory Coast” exhibition in 2022.