In Dialogue: Nuits Balnéaires and Mariah Coulibaly

Join artist Nuits Balnéaires and curator Mariah Coulibaly in an engaging conversation delving into Nuits Balnéaires’ artistic process, their shared Ivorian heritage, the contexts that influence their individual practices, and their collaborative efforts in bringing this exhibition to life. For more information, please visit the BAND website or reach out via email at [email protected]

Nuits Balnéaires is an Ivorian multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Abidjan in a large Akan Agni-bona and Malinké family. Currently based in Grand-Bassam, his practice explores territories and exile, the passage of time and nostalgia, the social structures and mechanisms that underpin the multiculturalism existing along the current Gulf of Guinea region. Over the years, his works on the cultures and social structure of the N’Zima people of Grand-Bassam have opened him to a new perspective of the collective imaginary of Côte d’Ivoire. Through his photo practice he shares stories intimately rooted in tradition and culture. Nuits Balnéaires’ work has been exhibited internationally including at ART X Lagos, 1-54 Contemporary art fair in Paris Christie’s, and FNB Art Johannesburg.

Mariah Coulibaly is an independent curator and researcher from Côte d’Ivoire and France, currently based in Toronto. Informed by her upbringing in West and Central Africa, her work explores identity, perspectives and imaginaries. Fascinated by the intricacy of social and cultural relations and the balance between individuality and community, Coulibaly aspires to create unique experiences and space for dialogue between observers and artists’ works. Coulibaly holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Policy and Management from Sciences Po Paris’ School of Public Affairs.