Jems Koko Bi

"The trees give me instructions and I carry them out in the forest. They advise me and I tell their stories."

Jems Koko Bi

An artist at the crossroads of sculpture and performance, Jems Koko Bi ingeniously fuses avant-garde influences with a narrative deeply rooted in the African context. In his work, he explores notions of space and history, plunging into a constant introspection of his own existence. Themes of migration, diversity and the mechanisms of domination in our society resonate harmoniously with a shared heritage.

“The tree gives me its instructions, and I transpose them into the wood. It guides me, and so I tell its story.”

Through her wood sculptures, Jems Koko Bi initiates a dialogue with the energies of nature. In his studio in the heart of the forest, the artist brings to life imposing sculptures that explore eternal concepts such as identity, ancestral heritage, homeland and exile. With delicate, confident gestures, he reveals the contours of the material. A true defender of the forest, the artist is the initiator of the Biennale des Arts pour la Forêt et l’Environnement, where he invites artists to an open-air residency in the heart of lush nature.

With oscillating movements, punctuated by pops and noises, a face emerges from the stump. Released by a compassionate, mechanized hand. It has always existed, but remained hidden from the world. The gesture reveals the form. With a gentle cadence, the artist seems to skim the surface, transforming it with each stroke. Winner of the Prix de l’Excellence from the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Jems Koko Bi awakens the element with an intuitive, controlled precision, a dance between an iron fist and a breath of tenderness.

The artist has participated on several occasions in prestigious Biennales, notably those of Dakar and Venice, where he will be exhibited again this year, representing Côte d’Ivoire in its official national pavilion. His work has also been exhibited at world-renowned institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, the Musée du Quai Branly and the Fondation Blachère.

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