ABOUT THE WORK

Ouattara Watts' art is a dynamic fusion of cultural, spiritual, and contemporary influences. His work is known for its rich symbolism and striking visual language, that draws deeply from West African traditions, ancestral spiritualities, and modern elements such as jazz, science, and cosmology. This transcultural approach reflects his artistic journey, which began in Paris and flourished in New York City after his relocation in the 1980s. Immersed in the East Village art scene and encouraged by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Watts developed a distinctive style that connects diverse cultural references with modern artistic expression. 

In the 1990s, Watts’ work became more dynamic and multilayered, bridging African heritage with modern abstraction and surrealism. His large-scale pieces feature bright colors—reds, greens, and yellows—alongside geometric patterns, symbols, and abstract forms. Recurring circular shapes hint at spiritual and cosmic cycles, while the use of collage, found objects, and layers of paint gives his works a textured, dynamic quality. 

A key aspect of Watts’ work during this period is his use of collage and mixed media. Works like Village Voice combine layers of acrylic paint, found objects, and imagery such as African masks and magazine clippings. This layered approach highlights Watts’ efforts to link African heritage with modern ideas, blending elements of precolonial African sculpture with contemporary visual themes. Expressionistic splashes of paint and figurative details, like skulls, add depth and complexity, encouraging viewers to reflect on the connections between culture, history, and identity.