A few days ago, I went to see "Matière à abstraction", the latest exhibition at the Galerie Christophe Person. Aside from the exhibition itself, I was also keen to visit this new space, located on Rue du Bac in the former premises of the Galerie Jean Fournier, an iconic address for abstract art in Paris.
With "Matière à abstraction", the gallery brings together artists with very different practices and offers a reflection on how abstraction is approached in contemporary African art. More than a common theme, it is the diversity of approaches that stands out in the exhibition.
It quickly becomes clear that each artist develops their own distinct language. Among all the works on display, two artists particularly caught my attention: Joseph Ntensibe and Mamadou Cissé.
Born in Uganda, Joseph Ntensibe is one of the leading figures on the East African art scene. For over thirty years, he has been painting landscapes inspired by his surroundings and has taken a particular interest in the relationship between humankind and nature.
His paintings immediately transported me into his plant-filled world. His works are brimming with lush vegetation, trees, birds and light, in a palette of greens, yellows and softer tones. They exude a real sense of calm, as if time were slowing down. As I drew closer, I discovered work of great finesse. Every detail seems to have been carefully considered, without ever weighing down the composition. It is easy to become absorbed by these landscapes.
In contrast, Mamadou Cissé’s works are bursting with energy. Born in Dakar and now based in France, the artist has spent many years developing a highly recognisable style, inspired by Africa’s major cities.
He constructs imaginary cities using pen and felt-tip pen, with incredible precision. From a distance, one is drawn in by the vivid colours. As you get closer, you discover a veritable labyrinth of roads, buildings and lines. You almost wonder how many hours of work each piece must have taken.
What I liked was that these two artists ultimately elicit the same reaction. You get closer, then closer still. Each time, a new detail emerges.
That is perhaps what I take away from this exhibition. The worlds they depict are very different, as are the techniques, but the level of precision is impressive. Joseph Ntensibe uses this precision to create peaceful landscapes, whilst Mamadou Cissé uses it to create vibrant, colourful cities. Two contrasting approaches, yet the same meticulous attention to the smallest detail.
Beyond the exhibition itself, it is above all the discovery of these two artists that has stayed with me. Two very different styles, but the same high standards that make you want to follow their work more closely.