Romuald Hazoumè

Romuald Hazoumè, who is of Yoruba origin, grew up in a Catholic family, but remained in contact with the Vodun society of his forbears; this dual cultural heritage finds expression in both his masks and installations.  In the mid-1980s, he began an extended series of works made from discarded plastic containers, and in particular from gasoline canisters. After slight modifications, these objects became masks, which subtly reveal Hazoumè’s critical vision of political systems. He has said of his work: “I send back to the West that which belongs to them, that is to say, the refuse of consumer society that invades us every day.”

Recent solo exhibitions have included Gagosian Gallery, Paris – Le Bourget; 59pm Gallery, Brussels (both 2016); Swiss Mobilar, Bern; Arè, Fondation Zinsou, Cotonou, Benin; Dance of Butterflies, Manchester Museum (all in 2015); Beninese Solidarity with Endangered Westerners, Kunsthaus Graz in partnership with The Steirischer Herbst Festival, Graz (2013); Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin (2011); My Paradise – Made in Porto-Novo, Herbert Gerisch Stiftung, Neumünster;  Exit Ball, Galerie Aliceday, Solo Projects ARCO madrid, Madrid (both 2010); La Bouche du Roi, British Museum, London and Musée du quai Branly, Paris (both 2005).