Ulrick Abé

Biography

Ulrik Abé, born in 1990 in Côte d'Ivoire, is a visual artist who specialized in graphic communication at the INSAAC (National Higher Institute of Arts and Cultural Action) in Abidjan, where he earned a Master's degree. His academic background serves as a strong foundation for a deeply introspective and expressive artistic journey. From an early age, Ulrik found in art a form of release and escape. His creative process became a way to explore his identity and respond to fundamental existential questions. Over time, his work evolved into a symbolic and emotional language that blends personal memory, collective heritage, and tactile materiality. A unique aesthetic: Art’boki Ulrik developed a distinctive visual identity which he calls Art’boki, a tribute to the Abokis, street vendors of hot drinks who are an everyday sight in Ivorian cities. This term reflects his desire to celebrate the ordinary and the local, transforming simple materials into powerful visual narratives. He combines organic materials such as earth, coffee, and cocoa with traditional painting techniques. These materials are more than aesthetic choices—they evoke African soil, warmth, hospitality, and cultural depth. Ulrik purposely does not use black paint, instead achieving dark tones through the natural pigmentation of coffee. This technique gives life to rich textures and shadow effects that enhance the emotional resonance of his compositions. Technique and symbols Texture and volume are essential elements in Ulrik’s work. He often finishes his canvases with a distinctive wavy pattern created using a rake. This motif has become a personal signature and carries different meanings depending on the series: in Illusions, it represents self-deception or blurred perception; in Unité, it becomes a symbol of connection between individuals. Among his most emblematic series are: “Blues”, which delves into themes of solitude and emotional introspection using warm, earthy tones. “Racines” (“Roots”), a series exploring cultural ancestry and identity through the interplay of natural materials. “Unité”, which reflects on human relationships and shared bonds. An art rooted in humanity For Ulrik Abé, art is not a privilege—it is a necessity. It is a means to reconnect individuals with their own stories, with memory, emotion, and culture. By using everyday materials and themes drawn from the street and popular culture, he seeks to make art accessible and resonant—something that touches people directly and intimately. His work, both sensorial and socially grounded, positions him as one of the most promising voices among West Africa’s new generation of contemporary artists.