Nuits Balnéaires: Scent of Appolonia

When exploring the waters and landscapes along the Ivorian coastline, visual artist Nuits Balneaires often questions and imagines the centuries of history that the landscapes and waters must have seen and how the passing of time and the impact of people(pollution, infrastructure creation and developments) continues to transform these coastlines.
Scent of Appolonia is the immortalization of the memories, poetry and piety which the artist has observed across these landscapes. Through this body of work, the artist pays tribute and illustrates his own spiritual journey through Appolonia (Land of the Apollo - N'zima, known for occupying the coastlines from Axim to Grand-Bassam since the 13th century). The series transcribes the eternal essence of the landscapes and of life in Appolonia. One that remains ever present and ever superb despite its evolutions. Water hyacinths, stout mangroves and smoked fish - a mainstay in the local gastronomy; each lend their sight, strength and wryly their smell to Nuits Balneaires’ Scent of Appolonia. The same subtle yet strong elements that recurrently appear within the series are also intrinsically linked to Appolonia and its people.
Scent of Appolonia will be presented by Pulp Concepts in collaboration with Nuits Balnéaires from Friday, February 5th until the end of February at Hotel Particulier, Cocody. The venue is around the same neighborhood where the artist grew up and lived until a year and half ago, before he moved to Grand-Bassam to center his practice. Consisting of 10 original works printed on aluminium and a short film, the exhibition is spread across two spaces, the lobby and a cabin nestled within the hotel’s garden. The opening on Friday, February 5th starts from 7pm to 9pm with a guided tour and continues through-out the exhibition period, but by appointment only. All the works that are shown, except the film can be purchased directly at the exhibition venue.