GUIDED VISIT

The Vinyl Suite is an extraordinary curated collection of over 80 original drawings by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, offering a rare glimpse into a unique aspect of the artist’s practice. Unlike his well-known postcard-format artworks, this collection showcases pieces that are approximately twice the size, measuring around 21 x 29 cm (8.3 x 11.4 inches). These works were created on the backs of record covers, reflecting Bouabré’s characteristic use of “found” cardboard as his canvas. While the use of repurposed materials was not uncommon in his oeuvre, the larger format of these drawings provides an expanded view of Bouabré’s intricate style and symbolic narratives, amplifying their visual and emotional impact.

One of the defining features of The Vinyl Suite is the artist’s decision to sign these works on the front, a departure from his usual practice of signing smaller pieces (11 x 15 cm or 4.3 x 5.9 inches) on the back. This front-facing signature lends a distinctive sense of immediacy and importance to these drawings, highlighting them as significant departures from his more commonly seen format. However, in terms of style and technique, these works remain consistent with Bouabré’s iconic visual language, characterized by meticulously rendered ballpoint pen and colored pencil drawings, often accompanied by explanatory text. Each piece brims with Bouabré’s signature blend of cultural symbolism, spiritual inquiry, and universal themes.

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Works of this size and format by Bouabré rarely enter the art market, making The Vinyl Suite a particularly exceptional collection. While smaller pieces have fetched record amounts at auctions, including at Sotheby’s New York, these larger works are even more scarce, offering collectors and scholars a rare opportunity to engage with a broader and more impactful interpretation of Bouabré’s artistic vision. The unique provenance and context of these drawings—crafted on the backs of record covers—further emphasize Bouabré’s resourcefulness and his ability to transform everyday materials into profound works of art. The collection stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and the universal resonance of his creations.