Well Rimo

Well Rimo is a painter from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, whose work blends pop art, art brut, and recycled materials to create vivid, emotionally charged compositions. Born and raised in Abidjan, he developed a passion for painting from a young age, encouraged by his older sister, who secretly enrolled him at INSAAC (Ecole des Beaux-Arts d'Abidjan) to refine his artistic skills. There, he honed academic techniques, focusing on portraiture and landscapes before embarking on a journey that would profoundly shape his artistic vision.

In recent years, Well Rimo has continued to expand his artistic reach with exhibitions in France and beyond. His latest series explores the intersection of urban culture and African traditions, using found materials and striking contrasts to depict contemporary narratives. In 2024, his work was showcased in a major exhibition highlighting emerging African artists, earning praise for his ability to fuse storytelling with raw, expressive energy. As his influence grows, Well Rimo remains dedicated to sharing his journey and elevating the voices of those who, like him, have faced displacement and transformation.

In 2016, due to escalating violence in Ivory Coast, Well Rimo was forced to leave his homeland. His search for safety led him on a long and challenging journey through multiple countries before he arrived in Montpellier, France, in 2017. Along the way, he forged meaningful connections, including a pivotal friendship with Welli in Morocco, who provided financial support to help him reach France. This period of transition deeply influenced his art, leading him to embrace bold colors, layered textures, and collage techniques that bring his subjects to life. His work draws inspiration from art brut, Kokian expressionism, and figures like Aboudia and Jean-Michel Basquiat, capturing the resilience, culture, and identity of his people.

In Montpellier, he found refuge and creative freedom in the solidarity workshop of Rondelet, where he fully embraced his artistic identity as Well Rimo. His work tells personal and collective stories, exploring themes of migration, cultural heritage, and social struggles. One of his most notable achievements is his portrait of acclaimed American director Spike Lee, whom he met in person while delivering the piece during the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where Lee served as jury president.