About
Painting for Togolese artist Kodjovi is fearlessly following an instinct. Kodjovi's work is honest and palpable: exposed, raw, and direct. His work is an unfiltered manifestation of his soul. Bright, energetic marks encircle rough textures balanced by the peaceful compositions emanating from below the surface.
This abstract mixed media artwork on canvas features a heavily textured minimalist composition dominated by white. Thick layers of white paint cover the majority of the surface, creating a physical topography of ridges, valleys, and broad palette knife marks. Hints of a gray underlayer peek through the central and upper sections of the canvas, adding subtle tonal variations to the monochromatic expanse. The clean white surface is framed by raw, distressed edges that reveal remnants of a vibrant underlying palette. Along the bottom edge, bold sweeps of primary red, orange, yellow, and blue create a colorful base, contrasted by dark black smudges and scrapings. The left and right borders also feature small specks of black, red, and blue paint, showing the history of layers beneath the white field.
This 48-inch high by 36 inch wide mixed media painting is signed by Kodjovi on the back of the canvas. The many layers in his work further emphasize the texture and visceral nature of his canvases. The painting is wired and can be hung vertically or horizontally. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable U.S. and global shipping. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by the gallery is included.
Kodjovi was born into a large family of eight children in Lomé, Togo, West Africa. He began his creating art by using building scraps to make sculptures. By the time he was in high school, he started to experiment with mixed-media and collage. He has later transitioned to acrylic and oil on canvas.
In 2001, Kodjovi left his home in Africa to live in Paris. Kodjovi moved to the United States in 2003 and has continued to paint. His work has been exhibited at Art Basel Miami, where in 2018 he was ranked one of the Top 10 Artists by Red Dot Miami and was interviewed for France 2, TV5Monde, and the BBC. His work has been exhibited and collected internationally.
