1. Tell us about your very first memory related to art

Enfant Précoce: My very first memory goes back to when I was a child. I loved the sculptures displayed in the garden; they were my uncle Malam’s works. But at that time, I was mostly drawn to dance. By the age of seven, I already wanted to become a dancer, especially to dance like Michael Jackson.

2. Can you tell us more about your creative process? How does a work come to life, from the initial idea to the final piece?

Enfant Précoce: I am often struck by images. Inspiration can come from a story, a history or biography book, or even a conversation I overhear. All of that sinks into my subconscious and then transforms into a painting in my mind.

After that, I work a bit like making a collage. I start by painting the background, then I draw my subject. Little by little, I add details I hadn’t thought of at first. Other ideas come along the way, as if I’m completing the puzzle of my thoughts.

3. How would you describe your work? What makes your universe recognizable at first glance?

Enfant Précoce: My work is dreamlike and full of color. You can recognize my universe through the characters, the intense colors, and the many details.

4. What inspires you? Where do you look for your ideas?

Enfant Précoce: History, culture, and human beings are my main sources of inspiration. I read a lot of stories, texts related to ancient spiritualities, and I am also interested in the arts of the past, often called primitive art.

5. Which artists do you love? Which ones move you, and why?

Enfant Précoce: There are different kinds of artists who move me. First, my uncle, who is an extraordinary person and dedicated his life to art. Then, friends who are artists whose work I really admire: Balu Hilary, Ngimbi Bakambana, Ousmane Bâ, Eliakim Tshiunza, Alvaro T. Guilherme, Léa Augereau, Johanna Tordjman, Stephen Tayo, and Julia Ivashkina.

And then there are other artists like Chéri Samba, Moke, David Hockney, and Takashi Murakami.

6. Finally, what are your latest news and upcoming projects?

Enfant Précoce: I have a group exhibition scheduled in Abidjan in April, as well as a solo show in Paris in June.

Their favorite artworks