In her vibrant studio in Bingerville, Côte d'Ivoire, Ivorian artist Ève Zadi, known as DJEB, crafts a unique art style that blends traditional African motifs with modern settings. Her creative space is filled with an array of items, including paintings, flower pots, mirrors, and decorations. A traditional mask displayed against a colorful background immediately catches the eye, reflecting Zadi's passion for incorporating African cultural symbols into her work.
Zadi's journey into the world of art began in 2020 when she stumbled upon art videos online. This sparked her interest in painting, and she quickly acquired materials to start experimenting. Two years later, in 2024, she made the bold decision to dedicate herself full-time to her art, resigning from her previous job. Since then, Zadi has been perfecting her craft, creating geometric artworks and paintings that showcase her distinctive style.
At the heart of Zadi's art is her desire to make it a part of everyday life, rather than confining it to traditional art venues. She aims to see her designs in homes, on clothing, and other products, making African art more accessible and relatable. Her work draws inspiration from masks, bogolan (traditional textiles), and patterns, which she reinterprets through her own visual language. By doing so, Zadi seeks to tell stories about identity, memory, and contemporary representations of African culture.
Zadi's approach to art is part of a broader trend among African artists who are pushing the boundaries of what contemporary African art can look like. Artists like El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, William Kentridge, and Wangechi Mutu are experimenting with new forms and ideas, while relying on their cultural heritage. Their work showcases the diversity and richness of modern African art, highlighting the importance of cultural influences in shaping artistic expression.
Despite the growing recognition of African art globally, many artists on the continent still face significant challenges in finding work and establishing themselves. The cultural and creative sectors in Africa are substantial, but their impact is often difficult to quantify due to a lack of comparable data. In August 2026, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics emphasized the need for improved data on the sector, particularly its role in employment, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Support from family, friends, and the community is crucial for artists to pursue their passion, according to Cris Douty, founder of Poegnan. He notes that while African art is well-represented in Europe, there is a need for more encouragement and support for artists at the local level. Douty believes that this support can make a significant difference in helping artists establish themselves and succeed in their careers.
Zadi's work has resonated with other artists in Côte d'Ivoire, including painter Adou Grâce Marie-Eulalie, who identifies with the way Zadi incorporates African identity into her art. Marie-Eulalie appreciates Zadi's use of African symbols and sees similarities in their artistic approaches. As Zadi continues to create and innovate, her art is likely to inspire a new generation of African artists to explore their cultural heritage and push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Key points
- Ivorian artist DJEB combines traditional African motifs with modern twists to create a unique art style.
- Zadi's art aims to be part of everyday life, making African art more accessible and relatable.
- African artists face challenges in finding work and establishing themselves, despite the growing recognition of African art globally.
