SCENT OF APPOLONIA

Review written by Bayo Hassan Bello.
6th February, 2021, Côte d’Ivoire.

When exploring the waters and landscapes along the Ivorian coastline, visual artist Nuits Balnéaires often questions and imagines the centuries of history that the landscapes and waters must have seen and how the passing of time and the impact of people(pollution, infrastructure creation and developments) continues to transform these coastlines. Scent of Appolonia is the immortalization of the memories, poetry and piety which the artist has observed across these landscapes. Through this body of work, the artist pays tribute and illustrates his own spiritual journey through Appolonia (Land of the Apollo - N’zima, known for occupying the coastlines from Axim to Grand-Bassam since the 13th century). The series transcribes the eternal essence of the landscapes and of life in Appolonia. One that remains ever present and ever superb despite its evolutions. Water hyacinths, stout mangroves and
smoked fish - a mainstay in the local gastronomy; each lend their sight, strength and wryly their smell to Nuits Balneaires’ Scent of Appolonia. The same subtle yet strong elements that recurrently appear within the series are also intrinsically linked to Appolonia and its people.

The exhibition Scent of Appolonia organized by Pulp Concepts in collaboration with artist, Nuits Balnéaires opened on Friday, February 5th and is on till the end of February at Hotel Particulier, Cocody. The venue is in the same neighborhood where the artist grew up and lived until a year and half ago, before he moved to Grand-Bassam to center his practice. The exhibition is presented in the intimate setting of a cabin nestled within the hotel’s garden, consisting of ten original works printed on aluminium and a short film. The opening was accompanied by a DJ set by the inimitable Asna and guided tours. The tours continue till the end of the exhibition, but by appointment only. My own experience of the exhibition was meditative, reminiscent of the artist’s poetry led and socially-engaged artistic practice, his honest approach to telling stories that deeply matter to him, and perhaps to us all.

Pulp Concepts, founded by Elie Kacoutie creates conceptual events worldwide. As the exhibition organizer, Elie said “I am deeply humbled and honored to be a part of this collaboration and cannot wait to uncover and present Nuits Balnéaires latest work, Scent of Appolonia. Since my first encounter with his work in 2017, Nuits Balnéaires has established himself in my mind as one of the best visual creators on the Ivorian scene. He is to me a complete artist in the broadest sense as his work embarks you in a cultural journey as much as a philosophical quest all while striving for the perfect aesthetic”. Pulp Concepts was created in order to establish a honest and transparent way of holding events and their goal is to always put their audiences at the center of their priorities by introducing them to innovative experiences.

All the works that are exhibited, except the film can be purchased directly at the venue. Purchase inquiries and information can be directed to the organizer or the artist: contact@pulpconcepts.com or mail@nuitsbalneaires.com.