Charly d’Almeida

Biography

Born in Cotonou in 1968 (Benin), Charly D'Almeida began as a self-taught artist before training for four years in the applied-arts studio of a major Beninese painter.

A few years ago his work was steeped in ancestral beliefs and cultural traditions. He worked extensively on the iron god, the Vodun deity Ogun, representing him through sign or material in the composition of his works. In Benin, more than a religion, Vodun is a culture, a tradition — which is why it is often present in the work of artists.

References to Africa and its culture also appear in the materials used: materials that recall his childhood, natural matter such as sand, leaves, wood and so on. The colours are warm: ochres, yellows, browns….

Charly d'Almeida's sculptures essentially combine two materials: metal and aged wood. The artist is particularly conscientious in his choice of materials. Techniques: painting, sculpture.

He exhibits across his continent, in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, London), in the United States and in Australia.