BENIN

Kpadonou Jossé hoped to become a great economist. But, after failing at university, he decided to pursue a career in art in order to take care of himself. Now a professional sculptor, he has no regrets about his choice. He is known and admired for his atypical works of art. We met him at the Centre for the Promotion of Handicrafts in Cotonou, Benin.

Kpadonou Jossé at 25 years old. He holds a bachelor's degree series D obtained in 2012. With this diploma, he enrolled in the first year of economics at the University of Abomey Calavie (UAC) in Benin. Only, things do not go properly in college. He abandoned his studies to turn to the business world. He opted for self-employment by specializing in sculpture and decoration.

It must be admitted that Jossé knows the woodworking trades. He has been learning this art since his childhood. Indeed, as a child, he built his own wooden toys. At the age of 14, he learned to sanding wood in a workshop where he was employed as a day labourer. His interest in art was born from this moment because he was fascinated by the beauty of the art objects made by his master. It is self-taught that Kpadonou is gradually perfected. On his own, he learns on the heap by imitating pieces by great masters and rubbing shoulders with many sculptors from the region.

"La stiruette" is the manufacture of statuettes with raffia

Today, Kpadonou Jossé excels in the manufacture of statuettes and other works of art. He has his own sculpture workshop in Cotonou including the Center for the Promotion of Handicrafts. This is where he exhibits his creations. He has even developed a particular technique for making his products based on wood and raffia: "the stiruette" of which he claims paternity. Jossé multiplies sales because his works are very popular with visitors.

Indeed, his pieces made of wood and raffia make the difference in an environment where competition reigns and in which the art objects are almost identical. Through tourists, Jossé's plays can be found in the four corners of the world. He also tells us that: "he is regularly the subject of several invitations around the world to participate in fairs and exhibitions".

"There are no difficulties in art"

Asked if he had any difficulties in his profession as a sculptor, Kpadonou says that "there are no difficulties in art. It's just fun, passion to create works of rare beauty." Indeed, the young sculptor experiences a crazy happiness every time visitors marvel at the sight of his creations. He says that it is like a woman who gives birth to a child.

Ambitious, Jossé dreams of becoming a great artist, recognized throughout the world. Because, according to him, the African art market has a lot to offer to the entire planet. That's why, day after day, Kpadonou Jossé is perfecting. He seeks to improve the quality of his works. He works tirelessly with the goal of becoming an international promoter of African art.