Togo's contemporary art scene is gaining international recognition, thanks to the efforts of two Paris-based associations, Fragments Nomades and Art Héritage Culture. The two organizations have been working together to promote Togolese art, with a focus on expanding its reach beyond national borders. Recently, Togolese plastician Kokou Ekouagou, co-founder of Fragments Nomades and technical advisor to Art Héritage Culture, participated in two major artistic events in Paris.
The first event was the ArtTrip exhibition, which took place at the Atelier Basfroi in September 2026. The exhibition brought together around 60 contemporary artists, including Ekouagou, who represented Art Héritage Culture alongside other notable artists such as Dan Dupérer, Rita Romain, and Sylviana Kamui. A total of 14 works were presented, showcasing Ekouagou's creations as well as those of other artists from the association. This participation marked a significant milestone in the cooperation between ArtTrip and Art Héritage Culture.
The ArtTrip exhibition was a follow-up to a collective exhibition held in Kara, Togo, in July 2026, titled Kar'ARTS, which focused on traditional hunting practices in the Kabyè region. The event aimed to strengthen ties between Art Héritage Culture and the Fragments Nomades collective, with a focus on collaborative projects. According to Ekouagou, the ArtTrip participation was an encouraging experience for promoting Togolese plastic arts internationally, increasing visibility for local artists and fostering encounters with professionals.
The second event was Art Shopping, a major international art fair held at the Carrousel du Louvre on October 24, 2026. Ekouagou and collagist and author Lielie Sellier represented Togo at the event, which brought together over 300 artists and galleries. The fair featured a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and collages, highlighting the importance of mixed practices in a rapidly changing world.
The discussions held during Art Shopping emphasized the role of art as a vector of social cohesion and intercultural exchange. Ekouagou's participation in the event reinforced the philosophy of the Fragments Nomades collective, which sees artists as "border crossers." The experience underscored the importance of cooperation between cultural institutions in supporting artistic careers.
Ekouagou emphasized that a professional strategy based on cultural management, partnership-building, and the circulation of artworks is essential for the growth of Togolese art. He also announced an upcoming event in Togo, the International Residences for Artistic and Cultural Creation (RICAC) "Art to go," which will take place from January 25 to February 7, 2027, in Tsévié.
The RICAC initiative, supported by the International Network of Visual Artists (RIA-AV) and Art Héritage Culture, will be directed by Ekouagou. He concluded that art has the power to unite people and bridge cultural divides. With the continued efforts of Fragments Nomades and Art Héritage Culture, Togolese contemporary art is poised to gain even greater international recognition.
Key points
- - Togo's contemporary art scene is gaining international recognition through the efforts of two Paris-based associations, Fragments Nomades and Art Héritage Culture. - The two organizations have participated in major artistic events in Paris, including ArtTrip and Art Shopping. - The International Residences for Artistic and Cultural Creation (RICAC) "Art to go" will take place in Togo from January 25 to February 7, 2027.
