RESIDENT ARTIST :: Bouba

ARTIST STATEMENT
Bouba

    Bouba has been sculpting for over 15 years using various materials such as wood, stone and clay but specializes in the use of metal.

    Departing from common uses of steel, bronze and other metal alloys in sculpture, Bouba uses a specific method of welding where metal is adhered onto a rudimentary skeletal frame.  He constructs form, inch by inch allowing the sculpture to take on form as the work progresses.

    This painstaking and tedious technique is his hallmark and allows his true creativity to flow and develop.  The sculpture transforms while it is created.   Bouba uses no molds, sketches, prototypes or models.

    "This is where the art takes control and I follow its lead.  I don’t work from an initial sketch.  I give free rein to my imagination.  The work takes shape under fire and hammer.  These are not reflective works; many of my works emanate certain unconsciousness.  The advance toward the final look of the piece doesn’t follow any sort of regular timetable; only the difficulty can slow down its execution.  Steel is the primary media of my work.  It's what exists as much as what is not there, and that is the one true component of my sculptures."

BIOGRAPHY:

1962 Born in Meknes, Morocco

Training:
1984 Study Mechanic Engineering in France
1993 Study at Tetouan Fine Arts School in Morocco
1993 Metal sculpture training at SMOA manufacturing in Casablanca, Morocco
1994 Printmaking training at Aix en Provence Fine Arts School, France
1995 Cinetique sculpture training at Aix en Provence Fine Arts School, France

Expositions:
1993 Individual exposition at Fakhar Gallerie, Tetouan Morocco
1993 Partnered with the painter, Kassimi, at the 10th Francophonie Festival at Limoges,  France
1994 Collective exposition in printmaking at Aix en Provence, France
1994 Collective exposition French Institute in Casablanca, Marrakech & Fez
1996 Individual exposition at Artisania Gallery in Sale, Morocco
1997 Individual exposition at Artoumania Gallery in Agadir, Morocco
1999 Collective exposition at Bassamat Gallery in Casablanca, Morocco
2000 Collective exposition at Sheraton Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco
2002 Individual exposition at the Cultural Center in BenSlimane, Morocco
2003 Invitational cultural festival in Perpignan, France
2004 Collective exposition at SGMB Bank Gallery in Casablanca, Morocco
2004 Individual exposition at Switzerland & Walonie Embassy in Rabat, Morocco
2005 Collective exposition at the World Museum in Rotterdam, Netherland
2005 Individual exposition at the Primo Center event, St. James Episcopalian Cathedral, Chicago
2006 Collective exposition at South Suburban College, South Holland Illinois
2006 Collective exposition at Forge Gallery, Chicago IL
2006 Individual exposition at the Sister Cities International 50th anniversary event, representing the Casablanca Committee.  Daley Plaza, Chicago
2007 Collective exposition at the Forge Gallery, Chicago, IL

Competitions:
1993 1st Place at the Benet Enrique sculpture competition in Tetouan, Morocco
1993 1st Place at the SMOA Manufacturing Metal Sculpture competition in
         Casablanca, Morocco
1994 1st place at the Benet Enrique sculpture competition, second edition, Tetouan, Morocco
2000 1st Place at the Absolute Vodka art competition in Casablanca, Morocco

Other Civic Involvement:
2006 Art Director for the Chicago Department of Peace Alliance
2006 Art Director for the 2006 Peace Journeys/Summer of Service program, Chicago
2005-Present Member and Volunteer Instructor at the Fire Arts Center, Chicago

For information about Bouba's work, please call REpose Gallery:  
312-321-1001, or e-mail reposegallery@rivereastartcenter.com