The artist's journey through Beijing's captivating nights and its impact on his art.
When Assoukrou Ake stepped into the Beijing night, he discovered a captivating world hidden in the shadows. But here's where it gets intriguing: Ake believes the city's darkness is not merely the absence of light; it's a realm crafted by light, shadow, and silence, where untold stories linger. This unique perspective forms the heart of his solo exhibition, 'What Shines Behind the Night'.
Ake's exhibition, which debuted on Dec 13 at Yishu 8, showcases 26 pieces born from his residency in Beijing. The city's atmospheric transition from autumn to winter significantly influenced his creative process. Ake, a 1995-born artist from Bonoua, Cote d'Ivoire, now based in Paris, was struck by Beijing's immense size and population density. He felt a surprising intimacy beneath the city's grandeur, prompting him to reflect on the interconnectedness of cities across the globe.
Ake's artistic process involves a fascinating interplay of concealment and revelation. He employs woodcutting and acrylic painting on carved wooden panels, scraping away to uncover hidden textures and then painting to illuminate and bring presence. This technique is vividly showcased in his 'The Butterfly Lovers' series, where he reimagines a Chinese legend through the lens of a Western altarpiece, creating a captivating dialogue between East and West.
In 'Golden Flower Nebula', Ake captures the dreamlike essence of Beijing's night, challenging the notion that night is merely the absence of day. And this is the part most people miss—Ake's work is not just about visual art; it's an exploration of cultural resonance and the interplay of time and tradition. Christine Cayol, founder of Yishu 8, emphasizes Ake's interdisciplinary approach, highlighting his ability to capture the resonance between time, culture, and geography.
Ake's residency in Beijing left an indelible mark on his artistic vision, broadening his perspective and influencing his future work. His experience in the city's hutongs, where he witnessed the gentle morning light and vibrant evening street life, further enriched his understanding of Beijing's unique character. This journey through Beijing's nights and its cultural offerings has undoubtedly sparked a creative evolution, leaving viewers eager to see what new artistic horizons Ake will explore next.
