MODEST AFFAMA - Born in the historical city of Abomey, Benin, the capital of the old kingdom of Dahomey of the Fon people, to a family of smiths, Modeste is a self taught artist who works primarily with the materials of his beloved home, in particular the rich red earth, integrating other objects of his daily life, including twine from the Baobab tree, Kauri-shells, and jute.
These unique mixed media creations have been exhibited in Abomey and nearby Cotonou, as well as internationally in France, Germany, and Nigeria.
Deeply proud of his heritage he feels at one with this rich clay containing soil, which he describes as 'witness of my birth, (and) presents me with its hospitality and to which I will certainly return in the winter of my lifespan. In short, this earth of my homeland is everything to me, this earth which I adore.'
These unique mixed media creations have been exhibited in Abomey and nearby Cotonou, as well as internationally in France, Germany, and Nigeria.
Deeply proud of his heritage he feels at one with this rich clay containing soil, which he describes as 'witness of my birth, (and) presents me with its hospitality and to which I will certainly return in the winter of my lifespan. In short, this earth of my homeland is everything to me, this earth which I adore.'