Joël Andrianomearisoa & Abdoulaye Konaté

Richard Koh Fine Art (RKFA) is delighted to present a feature by African artists Joël Andrianomearisoa & Abdoulaye Konaté. The two-man exhibition will run from 2 – 28 February at Richard Koh Fine Art, 229 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar 59100, Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition will feature 10 textile artworks and is the first dedicated show to introduce both internationally regarded African artists to Southeast Asia. The Opening Reception will take place on Friday, 2 February, from 5 – 8pm.

Featuring a chromatic seduction of tactile pieces by the duo, the pieces by Andrianomearisoa, whose works are architectural constructions of meticulously cut-out fabrics in gradients of black and white, is displayed alongside Konaté, whose immersive magical fabric squares bridge the world of spirit and senses. Combined, both artists address global issues through a rich symbolism of African colors, concepts and structure., bringing to our shores a global discourse on aesthetic.s and transculturalism.

Andrianomearisoa engages his viewers through discovery. Rhythmic and compelling, his works are a result of his sensitivity toward material and human emotions, illustrating the pulses of life within a geographical space. The exhibition will feature 6 monochromatic pieces from his Chanson de ma terre lointaine series, inspired by Marguerite Duras’ India song. These pieces are part of the artist’s meditation on Madagascar, they depict a combination of opposing forces, recording ambivalent movements of affirmation and negation whilst conveying a sense of fragility.

Regarded among the pioneers of modern African Art, Abdoulaye’s large textile pieces adopt applique techniques to characterize the abstract and figurative. The choice medium of cotton, widely available in Mali, is his desire to express his art through elements closest to him. Abdoulaye’s presentation mimic the movement of the capes by using layers of coloured ribbons. He combines the dying and colors of indigenous cotton tradition with his signature embroidery to reinterpret strong socio-political themes, a display of his commitment to universal harmony, an important concept in the African tradition.

Regarded as a whole, this exhibition is a symphony of colors and visual iteration of the sights and sounds of the artists and their homelands whilst connecting to the universal aesthetic and social sensibilities.