Chelsea, New York
Kiné Aw
Secrets de Femmes
Ethan Cohen GalleryEthan Cohen Gallery is pleased to present Secrets de Femmes, the gallery’s first solo exhibition with Kiné Aw, a celebrated Senegalese artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, blending the rich cultural heritage of Senegal with contemporary artistic expression. Aw’s paintings and drawings explore themes of identity, community and the power of the feminine. Since graduating from the National School of Arts in Dakar in 2006, Kiné Aw has been working in one of the fifty workshops in the Village des Arts, referring to it as her "laboratory." Her distinctive style stems from an exploration of surrealism, cubism, and her profound dedication to portraying the female form. Aw's works, frequently inspired by the struggles of women, has led the art critic Babacar Mbaye Diop to call her work “curvature”. Kiné Aw's work transcends mere representation, delving into the intricacies of the female psyche. Her pieces often showcase women in dynamic poses, embodying strength, grace, and a sense of self-possession. Through gesture and striking compositions, Aw challenges the conventional tension between modernity and the traditional, inviting viewers to contemplate and appreciate the diverse manifestations of feminine power. Exhibiting regularly in Senegal, Europe, and more recently in the United States, Kiné Aw's impact extends far beyond borders, as she serves as an ambassador for artistic diversity, passionately promoting African art and culture on the global stage. Kiné Aw has not only distinguished herself for her technical prowess and cultural resonance but also for her masterful exploration of the female form. Secrets de Femmes showcases Kiné Aw’s visual narrative that celebrates the strength, resilience, and multifaceted nature of womanhood.
