From Ouahigouya to Lyon... Harouna Ouédraogo is a 43-year-old painter, originally from Ouahigouya in northern Burkina Faso, who has been living in the Lyon area since 2009. His work also takes him back to Burkina Faso and the United States from time to time.…
From Ouahigouya to Lyon...
Harouna Ouédraogo is a 43-year-old painter, originally from Ouahigouya in northern Burkina Faso and living in the Lyon area since 2009. His work also takes him back to Burkina Faso and the United States from time to time. Painting was not a deliberate choice for him; from a very young age, he was passionate about drawing, dreaming of creating striking landscapes and portraits. This passion led him towards painting, without him ever abandoning drawing. He took courses in artistic anatomy and developed a unique drawing style, marking the start of his artistic journey.
For him, painting is the ultimate means of expressing and illustrating his emotions, and he prefers this art form to photography or sculpture. His artistic journey began with a traditional education up to Year 9, whilst teaching himself to draw. At the age of 12, he joined a multi-disciplinary troupe, exploring various artistic disciplines. Those years were demanding, as he juggled school with his passion for art.
In 2000, he was admitted to the National Institute for Artistic and Cultural Training, where he received a scholarship enabling him to further his skills in drawing and anatomy. This training proved crucial, allowing him to lead workshops whilst continuing to develop his skills and practise drawing. His work evolved towards abstract art, then towards a combination of figurative and abstract forms, thus creating a semi-figurative style.
He was influenced by classical painters such as Picasso and William Turner, as well as contemporary artists such as Basquiat and Soly Cissé, for their ability to breathe life and character into their works. His career choice was not always supported by his family. His mother, a weaver, did not understand his attraction to art, whilst his father, initially reluctant, eventually encouraged his choice after seeing his potential. His father played a significant role in his artistic journey by funding his studies. 
A painter full of colour...
His works reflect a unique vision of the absurd, without seeking to reproduce specific gestures or lines. His inspiration comes from various sources, notably urban life, Africa, and his travels, allowing him to explore different worlds without confining himself to a single style. His creative process involves the use of multiple media and a bold, gestural style, seeking to create extraordinary works.
He particularly enjoys the beginning and the end of the creative process, the former allowing him to experiment freely and the latter to contemplate the result. Although he may start with a specific idea, his works often result in something unexpected, which surprises and excites him. He favours spontaneous work, reflecting his thoughts and emotions of the moment, without producing specifically for exhibitions.