Farah Fakhri
A dialogue of cultures

The Ivorian-Lebanese collector has created a VITAL ARTISTIC SPACE in the Abidjan landscape.

Located in Abidjan's Plateau district, Galerie Farah Fakhri showcases both renowned contemporary artists and emerging talent from the continent and the diaspora. Established in 2022, this much-needed space is committed to cultural exchange, supporting artists and helping them gain recognition on the international scene.

AM: What is your artistic approach?

Farah Fakhri: We exhibit work by established artists (Abdoulaye Konaté, Joana Choumali, etc.) as well as emerging artists (Chada, Keren Lasme, etc.). This dialogue creates inter-generational interaction and enriches the experience of both the general public and collectors. We are sensitive to the impact of artwork in an artistic and societal context, to those that open up different perspectives and spark reflection on subjects such as pan-Africanism, exile, immigration, spirituality and memory. The practices and techniques are diverse, often complementary: painting, photography, video, installation, sculpture and textiles. And we build long-term relationships with the artists we represent.

What are your ambitions?

To create a place where artists from the continent and the diaspora can meet and reflect, and contribute to their influence on the international scene. Through our educational approach, we work with the Beaux-Arts (fine art schools) in Abidjan, Marseille and Tétouan to support the training and artistic education of young talent. We also organise introductory and creative workshops, symposia, cultural events and meetings at the gallery and residence. We form partnerships with institutions in other countries, which enriches our projects and amplifies their scope. By pooling outlooks and sharing resources, we open up avenues for cultural exchange and support.

Tell us about the residencies.

Run by a curatorial committee made up of curators, collectors and artists, the residency is a creative space and an opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in a new cultural and social context, to deepen their research or explore other practices. It is open to curators and doctoral students for research residencies, which will culminate in symposia. We're also working with the Montresso Foundation in Morocco to organise joint residencies. As a former communications director at Chanel, my mission is to disseminate and promote the work of artists on our continent and around the world. And we also have a role to play in supporting artists from the diaspora who want to (re)discover the continent of their ancestors and work there.

What are the challenges facing Ivorian art?

Firstly, the creation of facilities that will play a key role in the transmission and recognition of artists' work. Internationally, the challenge is to guarantee an institutional presence at global events such as biennials. Public support, which is essential, will help to bring other artists to the fore. galeriefarahfakhri.com