Gallery ILÉ Proudly Represents | CARLOS SODOKPA

Gallery ILÉ is proud to announce the representation of trailblazing visual artist,

Carlos Sodokpa.

Born in Abomey, Benin, Sodokpa (29), graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Photo-Journalism and Investigative Reporting from The National Academy of Communication, Sciences and Techniques (UAC) of Cotonou, where he currently lives and works.

For Carlos Sodokpa, photography is a means to explore the inherent intimacy of classical portraiture and the significance of self-representative imagery as an expression of cultural resilience within both the West African societal and cultural Zeitgeist.

Through the lens, Sodokpa seeks to heighten our connection to oneself, to others, and the world. The human form interacting between both the public and private spheres, is central to his creative practice.

In a compelling self-portrait series entitled ‘Mother Nature’, Sodokpa reflects on the many environmental issues currently plaguing the planet. Calling attention to the challenges raised by mass pollution and the degradation of our natural habitats, his emotionally charged visual chronicles denounce the salient role humanity continues to plays upon the environment and its preservation.

Conceived as a hauling of sorts, the series prompts viewers to consider alternative ways of implementing more sustainable strategies to help safeguard Earth’s natural resources and consider how the choices we make ultimately reflect and inform who we are as a society.

Linking dormant aspects of history with the present, Sodokpa unearths truly arresting images that open new perspectives of interpretations regarding the notions of land, culture, gender, identity and migration.

The series brings to light the overarching prevalence of Africa's colonial legacy as well as the geopolitical tensions, ideological divergences, economical dependencies, and the pervasive and deeply embedded mechanisms imposed by Western authoritarian governance, which too often resulting in the exploitation of local labor, the fomentation of ethnic divisions, social instability and the continuation of unequal economic systems focused on resource extraction.

The collection comprises 10 breathtaking limited edition fine art photographies.

Each authentic and certified fine art photographic print (numbered between 1 and 5 Worldwide), is mounted under 'Museum Quality' mat acrylic glass, inside a solid Oak shadow floating frame assembled by hand in graphite with satin finish and built-in hanging rails, courtesy of prestigious partner White Wall Laboratories.