‘Aboudia’ Abdoulaye Diarrassouba

Born 1983 in Côte d'Ivoire, ‘Aboudia’ Abdoulaye Diarrassouba had an early start in street painting, acquiring a sense of freedom much before his mature time. Using graffiti as means of expression and getaway, Aboudia depicted war scenes including hostility among crowds and frightful citizens. He received his initial training at the Technical Centre of Applied Art in Bingerville. Conventionally trained in art school, Aboudia’s work doesn’t reflect his conservative style as much as what he deftly picked up from the streets. He received international acclaim after the siege in Abidjan. 

A recurring subject to Aboudia’s palette is street children. His practice demonstrates a connection with his past, almost with a nostalgic tinge. He calls it a source of inspiration because of himself being on the same streets, recreating a similar image onto a canvas. To the lost, a sense of freedom can be achieved in art where expression is a primary goal!

Receiving fame by portraying images from the Abidjan civil war, Aboudia’s representation of weaponry, dead people and petrified civilians have been a vivid epitome of his developing style. Although he refuses to be called a ‘war painter’, with a vivid imagination and an abstraction of his emotions, he manages to absolutely capture his rugged temperament. Extending and releasing his past experiences on the walls, Aboudia’s figures are caricaturish and satirical, which is largely attempting to delineate adolescent anger. In addition, the vigour is vehemently charged with a bright and vibrant palette!

Aboudia has exhibited in Basel, New York and Singapore while being represented by reputed auction houses. Bringing his African culture blended with conventional training to the mainstream, he renders his work in oil sticks and acrylics having an influence on wall art.

Aboudia Abdoulaye Diarrassouba lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.