Hamed Ouattara’s Bolibana Reimagines Disposability + Possibility


Burkinabé multidisciplinary artist and designer Hamed Ouattara’s first American solo show – Bolibana – is currently on exhibit at Friedman Benda. Known as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary African design, Ouattara’s new body of high-design work has been unveiled in a residential setting in the Hollywood Hills. In the Bamana language of West Africa, ‘Bolibana’ refers to the unusual end to a journey, or a transformation. Ouattara is known for upcycling discarded industrial materials – like his signature oil drums – into colorful art that uses the debris to tell the end to the story of waste and global trade.

Afrika

Ouattara’s work combines the spirits of artisanal and industrial to create a culturally significant and visually striking result, questioning the disposability and reimagining the possibilities of material and design. Throughout the Bolibana exhibition, he celebrates traditional techniques and craft, with each work’s accumulated patina telling a story of its past.

Afrika

Ouattara approached the work in two ways – first by focusing on the reuse of waste from the increasingly industrialized Burkina Faso, and second by re-engaging with the craft and knowledge that’s been lost due to these same changes. The latter drew influence from the Sudano-Sahelian architecture of mythic cities, such as Timbuktu, Djenne, and Bobo Dioulasso, marking an exploration into new territory.

Afrika

Created and repurposed entirely by hand, the pieces of Bolibana are made using indigenous and ancestral metalworking techniques. Due to a limited supply and access to resources, all hinges, nails, and tools necessary to bring these works to life were crafted in Ouattara’s workspace, Studio Hamed Ouattara.

Afrika

Founded in 2002 in Ouagadougou, the studio uses materials that highlight patterns of trade and reflect the state of local development and economy. The studio collaborates with artisans in Burkina Faso to shine a light on these issues and more, like overconsumption, use of resources, the environment, and sustainability.

Afrika

Afrika

Djeli Tradition Teller

Djeli Tradition Teller

Djeli Tradition Teller

Djeli Tradition Teller

Djeli Tradition Teller

Djeli Tradition Teller

Budu Ethnicity

Budu Ethnicity

Budu Ethnicity

Budu Ethnicity

sculpture and two paintings in an art gallery

Photo: Julian Calero Courtesy of the artist and Friedman Benda, Los Angeles

sculpture and painting in an art gallery

Photo: Julian Calero Courtesy of the artist and Friedman Benda, Los Angeles

two sculptures and painting in an art gallery

Photo: Julian Calero Courtesy of the artist and Friedman Benda, Los Angeles

sculpture and two paintings in an art gallery

Photo: Julian Calero Courtesy of the artist and Friedman Benda, Los Angeles

two sculptures and painting in an art gallery

Photo: Julian Calero Courtesy of the artist and Friedman Benda, Los Angeles

In the installation images above, you’ll note a second exhibition that coincides with Bolibana, displayed by albertz benda. The art of the late
Wassef Boutros Ghali adorns the walls of the gallery.

To learn more about Hamed Ouattara’s Bolibana solo show at Friedman Benda, visit friedmanbenda.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.





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