Yéanzi, 1988

Yéanzi, born in 1988 in Ivory Coast, is a contemporary artist who began his career as a traditional portraitist before radically redefining his approach to the portrait genre.

Breaking away from conventional techniques, he developed a distinctive process that involves melting discarded plastic materials — collected from the streets of Abidjan — onto paper or canvas. Through this transformation of waste, he reveals the beauty and individuality of his subjects while simultaneously drawing attention to the overwhelming presence of trash in modern society.

His technique positions his work at the intersection of abstraction and figuration. More than portraits, his pieces explore the role of individual identity within African society, viewed through the lens of community and social interaction. Although deeply marked by the Ivorian Civil War of 2011, Yéanzi’s art remains strikingly optimistic, celebrating the resilience and spirit of Ivorians rather than dwelling on trauma.

Yéanzi studied painting and photography at the École des Beaux-Arts d’Abidjan (National School of Fine Arts of Ivory Coast). His works are part of the collection of the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Rabat, and he has exhibited in art fairs across Europe, North America, and Africa.

He currently lives and works in Bingerville, Ivory Coast.

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