Modern Artworks by Aboudia and Samuel Fosso Highlight Bonhams’ Upcoming African Art Sale

Abdoulaye Diarrassouba, also known as Aboudia, is celebrated for his multilayered art influenced by the graffiti and street culture of his hometown, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. His characteristic murals and massive canvases depict frenzied scenes with street children as the central subject. An untitled artwork by Aboudia is a key highlight of the upcoming Bonhams auction of modern and contemporary African art. In this piece, the artist employs unrestrained figuration to express the grinding realities of harsh neighborhoods in this acrylic, pen, card, and paper on canvas. Aboudia uses the term “nouchi” to describe his distinct iconography. Another radical work on sale is Alexander Skunder Boghossian’s oil on board painting from 1962. Boghossian created this piece a year before he commenced the Nourishers series. He blended African imagery with techniques inspired from Cubism. With biomorphic forms and black crisscross lines, the painting elicits elements from Konso funerary sculptures and wooden masks from African culture. 

Nigerian photographer Samuel Fosso’s untitled work belonging to the 1970s Lifestyle series also leads the listings. In this black-and-white photo, Fosso and his companion are dressed in bell-bottoms, tight shirts, and boots, imitating singer Prince Nico Mbarga’s eccentric style. Fosso is best known for his self-portraits representing such laidback poses. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bonhams.