CE RYTHME, MON ESPRIT, UNE DISCORDE
Ange Dakouo
Ange Dakouo’s exhibition, *Ce rythme, mon Esprit, une discorde*, is a profound and evocative exploration of love, solidarity, and resistance. Held at Galerie AFIKARIS in Paris from October 17 to November 23, 2024, this project merges the artist’s innovative textile work with a poignant socio-political message. Inspired by the final speech from Charlie Chaplin’s *The Great Dictator*, Dakouo weaves a call for unity and compassion, challenging the forces of hate and oppression that dominate contemporary society.
Dakouo’s art draws from his Malian heritage, specifically the donso hunters’ traditional suits adorned with protective amulets, or *gris-gris*. These objects, reimagined with folded newspaper and entangled threads, embody resilience and collective strength. The use of newspaper pays homage to his father, a printer, while symbolizing the interconnectedness of human experiences. Through large-scale wall tapestries and installations, Dakouo turns fragile materials like paper and thread into monumental expressions of solidarity, illustrating how unity can transform vulnerability into strength.
The exhibition’s aesthetic relies heavily on color symbolism. Black represents societal struggles and darkness, red signals alertness and resistance, while white signifies hope and fulfillment. This chromatic narrative is complemented by the installation’s intricate design, including a web of red strings on the ceiling, metaphorically representing the oppressive weight of the world.
Through this work, Dakouo invites viewers into a reflective dialogue on violence, inequality, and the transformative potential of love. His vision is one of peaceful rebellion, where art becomes a tool for change. By presenting *Ce rythme, mon Esprit, une discorde*, he emphasizes art’s role in fostering dialogue and inspiring collective action toward a more harmonious society.