10 Questions with Adama Nanguin Coulibaly 

Adama Nanguin Coulibaly, an artist with Ivorian American roots, proudly embraces the symbolism of cultural fusion, emphasizing the limitless potential for dialogue and understanding at the crossroads of diverse influences. He warmly invites you to join him on this artistic journey, celebrating a shared legacy and actively contributing to a future characterized by inclusivity and harmony. Through his art, Adama passionately aims to resonate with the souls of others, sharing stories, dreams, and messages of love and daring adventure, inspiring all who witness his creations. His yearning for growth knows no bounds, as he strives to reach greater heights in various artistic pursuits, creating an expansive ripple of inspiration.

As an artist, Adama's life unfolds as an extraordinary tapestry woven with threads of unshakable resilience, profound transformation, and unwavering hope. Emerging from the crucible of a tumultuous civil war in Ivory Coast, he sought refuge with his mother in the vibrant streets of New York City during his formative years. Through his art, Adama not only finds solace in the heart of NYC but also harnesses its brilliant light as a guiding force.

Each brushstroke, sculpture, and unique piece of Adama's creative genius is a cathartic explosion of emotions and experiences, shaping him into the resilient individual he is today. The New Pyramid transcends being just an artistic style; it is a transformative odyssey, a determined quest to reveal the profound richness of dreams and historical heritage to the world—a potent message of strength and audacious adventure.

Adama's connection to the customs and legacies of the Senufo has been ingrained in him from the beginning. The Senufo culture serves as the foundational blueprint of his identity, influencing both his art and his humanity. It venerates core values of community, spirituality, and the profound interconnectedness of all life—a heritage particularly relevant in our modern world.

Adama's artistic journey pays impassioned tribute to the Senufo culture, a force that has indelibly shaped his soul. He fervently captures the essence of Senufo traditions with a contemporary resonance, forging powerful connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. It stands as a resounding testament to the transformative power of art, mirroring the intrepid voyage that defines his life's journey.

www.adamananguin.com | @thenewpyramid_

INTERVIEW

Please tell us more about your Ivorian American roots. How do they influence your artistic work? 

Certainly, my Ivorian American roots serve as a rich source of inspiration for my artistic work. The challenges I faced as a refugee, facing homelessness with my mother, and struggling in the street of New York with the language barrier, navigating the complexities of merging Ivorian and American cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles, have undoubtedly shaped some narratives within my creations. My art reflects a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life, capturing the essence of my journey and weaving together the threads of my Ivorian heritage and American experience, creating a tapestry that resonates with a universal audience while honoring his roots.  

What inspires you to create art that celebrates a shared legacy and promotes inclusivity and harmony, as you mention in your statement?  

I draw inspiration from the ethereal realm of dreams, often referred to as "The Other Side." Shaped by personal experiences, particularly the profound loss I endured during the civil war, my art becomes a medium to celebrate and reconnect with my Senufo culture, invoking childhood memories of my grandmother guiding me to witness religious ceremonies in the village. In doing so, my work serves as an exploration of roots, fostering inclusivity and harmony through the lens of Senufo culture remembrance. 

How has your life journey shaped the themes in your artwork? 

My life journey has profoundly influenced the themes in my artwork. Falling in love with life became a pivotal moment, prompting a realization that the world is imperfect. Living in a metaphorical box, I experienced a transformative click that led me to appreciate the imperfect beauty around me. This newfound perspective forms the essence of my art, emphasizing gratitude for the things that bring joy, resilience in the face of life's challenges, and a continuous journey of moving forward despite an unshaken world that resides within me. 

You work with different artistic mediums, such as brushstrokes, sculptures, and unique pieces. How do they help you in expressing your emotions and experiences? 

Engaging with various artistic mediums allows me to tap into familiar sensations, enhancing my creative process. I strive to craft artwork that deeply resonates with others, mirroring the cathartic journey that creation embodies for me. Through brushstrokes, sculptures, and unique pieces, I channel both positive and negative energies, molding them into expressions of distinctiveness that resonate with the soul.  

How does the Senufo culture serve as a foundational blueprint for your identity, both as a person and as an artist? 

My deep connection to the Senufo culture, cultivated through my grandmother's guidance and regular visits to the village in Katiola, serves as a foundational blueprint for my identity, both as a person and as an artist. The cultural immersion instilled in me a profound appreciation for community, spirituality, storytelling, and the preservation of cultural values. This rich heritage has become an integral part of my identity, influencing how I perceive the world and interact with others. 

Could you explain how the core values of community, spirituality, and interconnectedness, drawn from the Senufo culture, impact your artistic process? 

As an artist within the Senufo cultural context, my identity is intricately woven into the collective identity of the community. The vibrant tapestry of traditions, rituals, and shared experiences shapes not only my personal expression but also my artistic endeavors. The symbiotic relationship between individual and collective identity within this cultural framework allows me to draw inspiration from the deep roots of community, fostering a unique and authentic artistic voice. 

Is there a particular piece of your art that holds special significance for you, considering your transformative journey and the cultural influences you incorporate? 

Absolutely, "DJARABI DHÉ" holds a profound significance for me in the context of my transformative journey and the cultural influences I incorporate into my art. This piece is a dedicated tribute to my beloved grandmother, who played a crucial role in my life and passed away in 2015. It serves as a heartfelt connection to my personal history and the cultural roots that inspire my artistic expression. Which I later gifted to actress Sepideh Moafi, who is a good friend of mine.  

How does the vibrant atmosphere of New York City play a role in your artistic expression? 

The dynamic ambiance of New York City plays a pivotal role in shaping my artistic expression. The city's vibrant atmosphere acts as a powerful muse, infusing my creativity with richness and diversity. With its plethora of art galleries, museums, and creative spaces, New York provides a fertile ground for inspiration. The city fosters a sense of community among artists, encouraging collaboration and the showcasing of diverse works. As a global hub for art, culture, and innovation, New York's energy, diversity, and constant buzz create a unique environment that continuously inspires and fuels my artistic expression. 

Do you find that working and living there has had a significant impact on your work? 

Living and working in New York City has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping my career and knowledge within the realm of art. The vibrant and dynamic environment of the city has provided me with a unique platform to thrive and has significantly contributed to my success in the art world. Despite achieving a commendable level of success, my aspirations reach beyond, fueled by a profound desire to stand among the greatest artists globally.  

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as an artist? 

My goal extends beyond regional acclaim, as I aspire to be recognized and celebrated on a global scale, standing alongside the most revered artists in the world. New York City, with its countless challenges and opportunities, has been a crucible for my artistic journey, propelling me toward the pinnacle of artistic achievement that I envision for myself. 

And lastly, as we are at the beginning of a new year, what is your biggest goal for 2024? 

To achieve this goal, I plan to leverage various platforms and channels, including online galleries, exhibitions, social media, and collaborations with other artists and organizations. Building a strong online presence will be crucial in reaching a wide audience, while participation in international art events and collaborations will facilitate networking and exposure within the global art scene. In essence, my biggest goal for 2024 is not just the growth of my artistic brand but the establishment of a global footprint that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. Through The New Pyramid, I aspire to leave an indelible mark on the world of art, inviting individuals from various corners of the globe to engage with and appreciate the beauty and significance of my creative endeavors. 

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.