Papisco Kudzi, from Togo

To represent Togo in my gallery of 55 African nations, I have chosen Papisco Kudzi. Born in 1974 in Togo, he has no formal education althought the list of exhibitions and prizes is extensive and revealling. In 1998 he receives a UNESCO grant and attends the Vienna Fine Arts School. He moves to the US in 2001.
A small gallery here. Another here. And here a gallery where paintings can actually be purchased, from $800 to $5000. I like "La Peche" / Fishing. From March 16, Kudzi's work can be seen in Washington at the Alliance Française (free admission), as part of the Paris on the Potomac 2005 program.
Another African artist in exile.
Togo, a French speaking nation ruled by the same man from 1967 to February 5, 2005, is at least in peace. Gnassingbe, the dictator's son, has replaced his father in the Government last February, 7. The transition will hopefully remain a peaceful one, even if not democratic. Main Togo Webpage here, in French, some news in English. The Lonely Planet has some interesting information about the country. And here some pictures of Lome, the capital city,  from the Norwegian world trotter larsrm (in a photo from East Greenland).

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