Roméo Mivekannin, a renowned artist known for his bold, chiaroscuro paintings that reimagine European art historical masterworks in his own image, is a thought-provoking figure in the art world. With a keen interest in exploring the Western colonial gaze on Africa and the power of archives to unveil underrepresented stories, Mivekannin’s work delves into themes of visibility, appropriation, and power dynamics.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Mivekannin divides his time between Toulouse, France, and Cotonou, Benin. His artistic practice spans across various mediums, including acrylic painting, installation, and sculpture. At a recent exhibition at Art Basel in collaboration with Galerie Barbara Thumm and Cécile Fakhoury, Mivekannin presented a striking installation titled “Atlas.” The installation featured a series of metal buildings suspended from the ceiling, reminiscent of institutional structures that house ethnographic collections. Through this work, the artist sheds light on the colonialist practices and ethical complexities embedded within these spaces and their histories.
Historically, many museums were founded upon controversial or dubiously acquired collections, often emphasizing a skewed view of world cultures through a colonialist lens. Mivekannin’s work draws attention to this issue, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about colonial legacies and their ongoing impact on contemporary society.
In “Atlas,” the structures take on the form of bird cages suspended from chains, symbolizing captivity and likening ethnographic collections to human zoos. The installation challenges viewers to rethink the power dynamics inherent in these spaces and the ways in which they have been used to control and exploit “the Other.”
Mivekannin’s background in art and architecture informs his work, as he explores how built environments are designed to convey dominance and prestige. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the National Superior School of Architecture of Montpellier (ENSAM), the artist brings a multidisciplinary approach to his practice.
In addition to his installation work, Mivekannin’s paintings are also on display in the exhibition “Black Mirror” at Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia, Italy, until July 27. Through his thought-provoking art, Mivekannin invites viewers to engage with complex narratives surrounding colonialism, power, and representation. Follow the artist on Instagram for more updates on his work and upcoming projects.
