Kokou Ferdinand Makouvia
(Born in Ekpui, Togo - Lives and works between Paris, France; Oisterwijk, NL et Lomé, Togo)
Kokou Ferdinand Makouvia is an artist whose work revolves around the fundamental questions of matter and its interaction with humanity. Over several years, he has honed his practice in sculpture and performance art, focusing on both the spiritual and physical exploration of materials.
Makouvia approaches matter as a dynamic force, initially as energy imbued with elements akin to fetishism, then as a substantive entity that asserts its presence through its history, density, and inherent values. Ultimately, he views matter as a medium that facilitates deep reflection and communication with the unseen.
Drawing inspiration from contemporary sculpture and rooted in the traditional Mina culture of southern Togo, Makouvia integrates influences from his extensive travels and diverse artistic training. Beginning with formative experiences on the streets of Lomé, Togo, followed by classical art education in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and avant-garde studies in Valenciennes and Paris, he synthesizes these diverse influences into his artistic expression.
In his creative process, Makouvia engages with materials such as wood and rubber, exploring their interactions and transformative potential. Through this exploration, the forms he creates evolve beyond mere objects, becoming subjects that breathe, move, and provoke contemplation on human existence within the dimensions of time and space.
Makovia graduated from Les Beaux-Arts Abidjan and Les Beaux-Arts Paris and has participated in several art residencies such as De Ateliers in Amsterdam (2019-2021), the European Ceramic Workcenter (EKWC) in Oisterwijk in 2022, and the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York in 2023. He has received numerous distinctions, including the Salomon Foundation Residency Awards in 2021. He is also the co-founder of the contemporary art residency ArtMéssiamé, an annual event held in Lomé, Togo.
