Frédéric Bruly Bouabré

This publication accompanies the first solo exhibition of work by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré in the UK. Born in Zéprégühé, Ivory Coast (1923), now living in Abidjan, this artist is prolific in his production of postcard-sized drawings.

This publication is dedicated to La Haute Diplomatie (High Diplomacy), a series of 193 drawings, each depicting a figure (usually male) draped in the colours of a national flag with an arm outstretched, as if in anticipation of shaking hands.

Despite the national labels, Bouabré suggests citizenship of the world: “Whether you come from America, Africa, Asia or elsewhere, I show through my work that we are all part of this same entity.” The location of this exhibition, in Birmingham, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, could not be more appropriate.