Gallery ILÉ is proud to announce its representation of visual artist,
Carlos Sodokpa, a trailblazer of the contemporary artistic ‘Nouvelle Vague’ emerging from Benin.
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Born in Abomey city, Sodokpa (29), graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Photo-Journalism and Reporting from The National School of Information, Communication, Sciences and Techniques (UAC) in Cotonou, Benin, where he currently lives and works.
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For 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 a West African societal context.
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Since 2019, Sodokpa has been the trusted personal assistant of
internationally renowned African artist, Dominique Zinkpè, for whom he oversees most of the atelier’s day to day operational, organizational and logistical issues, alongside spearheading his own career.
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EXHIBITIONS
2024
Solo Exhibition 'Entre Nous' | French Institute, Cotonou, Benin
Résonances, OFF Photography Biennial, Makôrô Cultural Center, Bamako, Mali
2023
N.art.urel Project, Pahou Classified Forest, Ouidah, Benin
2022
In Corpus Selection, La Belle Etoile, Arles, France
Rad.art, French Institute, Cotonou, Benin
Emblèmes, Lieu Unik, Abomey, Benin
2021
In Corpus Photography Festival, Arles, France
Boulev'art Special Covid-19, Carrefour Saint Cécile, Cotonou, Benin
Photographic Creation, La Remise, Cotonou, Benin
2020 The Parliament of Women of Africa, Invisible Cinema Festival, Bilbao, Spain
The Parliament of African Women, Siki Galerie, Saint Louis, Senegal
2019
The Parliament of Women of Africa, Women's Museum, Dakar, Senegal
The promise of discovery inherent to travels greatly influence Sodokpa's artistic vision. Through his practice, he longs to chronicle people's experiences and the living conditions of humanity around the globe. Baring witness to our ever changing macrocosm is critical for him in order to create.
In this compelling self-portrait series entitled “Mère N.art.urELLE”, Sodokpa continues his reflections on the environmental issues plaguing our planet, calling attention to the challenges raised by mass pollution, the degradation of nature, green house emissions and their alarming effects on public health.
The collection unveils 10 breathtaking limited edition fine art photographies.
Each, authentic, numbered and certified photographic print is mounted under 'Museum Quality' mat acrylic glass, with solid Oak shadow floating frame assembled by hand in graphite with satin finish and built-in hanging rails, courtesy of the prestigious White Wall Laboratories.
In fine, Sodokpa’s images urge us to reconsider environmental protection through sustainable strategies and various mechanismsfor safeguarding our forests and preserving biodiversity.
Published: Tue, Jun 10, 2025
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