Joël Mbaï

In 2002, Joël Mbaïd settled in France, his adopted country, while continuing to explore the warm colors of Africa in his art. He exhibits regularly in galleries and art events both nationally in France and internationally, notably in Neu Isenburg, Germany, and Nuevo Bastán, Spain. However, the COVID-19 pandemic marked a major turning point in his career, forcing him to withdraw from exhibitions and develop new artistic approaches. He rediscovered polystyrene and became familiar with it. The artist explored new textures, cooler and darker colors, much stronger contrasts, and a denser graphic palette, thus giving a new dimension to his work.

His work continues to evolve, his studio thus becoming an intimate, dynamic space where his pictorial and sculptural imagination is born and takes shape in the small town of Veauche in the Loire department in France.

Although he has never set foot in a fine arts school, Joël Mbaïd defines himself not as a self-taught artist, but as an accomplished painter-sculptor and art researcher.