Dominique Zinkpè

Born in: 1969
From: Cotonou, Benin
Lives and works: Cotonou, Benin
Represented by: In Situ - fabienne leclerc
Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Zinkp%C3%A8

UN goals

Biography

Dominique Zinkpè is a multidisciplinary and self-taught artist using media like sculpture, drawing, painting and at times installation. His body of work is rooted in Beninese culture, especially voodoo, mysticism, and animism; all that touches on otherworldly spheres. Women are often depicted symbolizing desire, motherhood and fertility, as well as strength and resilience. Although he uses different means, drawing remains his favored technique which allows him to better transmit his ideas.

Over the years, Zinkpè has managed to create his own mythology where he explores life’s polarities such as the limits between good and evil or the rupture between our bodies and our souls. Hybrid creatures float in his canvases; unequivocally, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work has had a lasting impact in the artist’s aesthetics, helping him to create his own mythology.

Another source of inspiration is Egon Schiele, in particular in his treatment of hands which he depicts fragmented and in perpetual expansion. He borrows from him his vaporous shapes, especially his expressive distorted limbs suggesting his character’s spiritual nature.

Career highlights

Solo shows

2019, Dyman Gallery, Stellenbosch South Africa: Dominique Zinkpe
2012, Institut francais, Pointe Noire, Congo: Ceremonial
2012, Fondation Blanchère, Apt, France: Des tigres et des peintres
2010, Laboratorio Cotonou et Musée historique d'Abomey, Benin: Focus Zinkpè, Regard Bénin 1.0
2002, Place de l'Obélisque, Dakar, Senegal: Exposition Taxis-Zinkpé

Group shows

2019, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa - MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa: Growbox Art Project
2017, Para/Site Art Space, Hong Kong, Hong Kong: Soil and Stones, Souls and Songs
2015, Museu Afro Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil: Africa Africans
2014, MMK (Museum for Moferne Kunst), Frankfurt am Main, Germany: The Divine Comedy
2003, Havana, Cuba: Biennale de la Havane