OOA GALLERY is delighted to present the highly anticipated solo exhibition of Armand Boua, titled ‘Manawa’, running from May 18th to June 30th. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases Boua’s exceptional talent and offers a profound exploration of the lives of marginalised youth colloquially known as ‘Manawa’ in Abidjan.
Armand Boua, born in Abidjan in 1978, is a distinguished artist whose career has spanned domestic and international acclaim. With a background in fine arts from the National School of Fine Arts of Abidjan and the Technical Center of Applied Arts in Bingerville, Boua has emerged as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
‘Manawa’ comprises a collection of 14 mixed-media artworks, each offering a unique perspective on the lives of the homeless children portrayed. Through his expressive brushstrokes and innovative techniques, Boua sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the ‘Manawa’ community, a term derived from the French word “manœuvre,” signifying young labourers in urban environments.
Boua’s artistic journey has been marked by numerous solo and collective exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious venues such as the Jack Bell Gallery (London), Ethan Cohen Gallery (New York), Galerie Cécile Fakhoury (Abidjan, Dakar and Paris), the Dakar, the Venice Biennale and the Montresso Foundation (Morocco). His work has been featured in renowned collections across the globe, attesting to his status as a leading contemporary artist.
