Thierry Oussou
We are all a reflection of paper. I am developing the concept of the fragility of paper in relation to human beings. We are as fragile as paper. If you do not take care of paper, it tears.
Thierry Oussou (1988, Benin) creates energetic and expressive works on large sheets of black paper using drips, scratches, splatters, and calligraphic marks. His distorted figures, faces, and symbols appear to float against the dark background, forming a mysterious visual world. Inspired by school slates, he chose black paper early in his career and values its texture over traditional canvas. For Oussou, paper is not just a surface but central to his expression.
His work explores themes of authenticity, history, heritage and visibility, he connects past and future through bold gestures. Recently, he has focused on overlooked professions, for instance, cotton workers and drivers, to highlight hidden forms of labor. He aims to highlight how these professions influence the society we live in.
A self-taught, widely travelling artist, Oussou blends global influences to reflect the duality of being both insider and outsider. His powerful visual language invites reflection on social and historical realities.
