The Ecole Hogbonou association was presented at the National Library in Porto-Novo, Benin, on Friday, September 25, 2026. The event was attended by Carine Guimbard, representative of the founder, as well as plastic artists and teacher-researchers. The association's primary objective is to create a platform for artists to exchange experiences and promote African art worldwide. Fabiola Badoï, the founder, aims to provide a space for artists to experiment with different forms of art that are not separate from life.
According to Fabiola Badoï, the Ecole Hogbonou association seeks to promote a poetic line that defends a subtle art, which tends to reduce the material production of works. The association's approach focuses on creating with minimal means, valuing elements such as daydreaming, laziness, rest, contemplation, and conviviality as natural defensive and protective elements. This approach allows for a deceleration of pace and provides time for freedom of thought, discovery, and wandering.
Carine Guimbard emphasized that the Ecole Hogbonou association aims to interact with artists from diverse disciplines, including geology, contemporary dance, and architecture. The association's goal is to create exchanges between artists, allowing them to gain a different perspective on their work and respond to current societal issues. The initiative is open to Beninese artists, as well as international guests from various fields.
Professor Didier Houénoudé, co-founder of the Ecole Hogbonou association, highlighted the need to challenge the extraverted view of African artists and promote a more nuanced understanding of African art. The association seeks to demonstrate that the periphery can have a voice in the art world and that African art is not just an appendage of Western European art.
The Ecole Hogbonou association's presentation in Benin marks a significant step in promoting African art globally. The association's focus on experimentation, exchange, and subtlety provides a unique approach to artistic creation. By bringing together artists from diverse disciplines, the association aims to foster a deeper understanding of African art and its role in contemporary society.
The Ecole Hogbonou association's initiative has been well-received by the Beninese art community, with many expressing interest in participating in the association's activities. The association's emphasis on sharing knowledge and promoting artistic exchange is expected to have a positive impact on the development of African art in the region.
Key points
- The Ecole Hogbonou association aims to promote African art globally by creating a platform for artists to exchange experiences and experiment with different forms of art.
- The association's approach focuses on subtlety, minimalism, and conviviality, providing a unique perspective on artistic creation.
- The initiative brings together artists from diverse disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of African art and its role in contemporary society.
