Artist Database

Benin-born Dominique Zinkpè’s paintings have been described as depicting ‘a world of ghosts’ – as well as the transformations that humans, animals and organic forms undergo through interaction with their environment. His hybrid beings – somewhere between human and animal, the living and the dead – engage in dance and evoke rituals and games around status, gender and desire that are deeply rooted in Beninois culture.

Overall, his broad oeuvre draws from the aesthetic currents of the past, underscoring the unresolved tensions arising from the fusion of Catholicism, Animism and indigenous traditions with contemporary culture – and these themes are often explored in the spirit of irony and satire.

Zinkpè is one of the most celebrated contemporary artists to emerge from Benin. His strongly personal style and versatility as a painter and sculptor have secured him increasing international recognition.

Source: adapted from https://www.everard-read.co.za/artist/DOMINIQUE_ZINKPE/biography/