Preview
Send
Share
Details
Download
Similars
X-Ray
DiaporamaUntitled (Vodou Series)
2011
94.0 x 66.0 cm
Read More
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Buy Print Buy Image)
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (19 August). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Untitled (Vodou Series)
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
Artwork Description
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou: Capturing Yoruba Spirit and Benin’s Transformation
Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou, born in Porto-Novo, Benin in 1965, stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary African photography—a descendant of Joseph Moise Agbodjelou (1912–2000), himself a celebrated Benin photographer. From his formative years under his father’s tutelage, Agbodjelou honed a distinctive artistic vision rooted in tradition yet acutely attuned to the complexities of modern life within his homeland. His work transcends mere documentation; it's an exploration of cultural identity and spiritual belief, powerfully conveyed through meticulously crafted images that resonate globally.Early Influences & Training
Joseph Agbodjelou’s legacy profoundly shaped Leonce’s artistic trajectory. Together they embarked on journeys documenting Benin’s landscapes and people, utilizing a portable studio equipped with a medium format camera—a deliberate choice reflecting Agbodjelou Sr.’s commitment to capturing nuanced detail and conveying emotional depth. Crucially, they adopted the vibrant fabrics of Yoruba culture as backgrounds for their portraits, establishing a stylistic cornerstone that continues to define Agbodjelou’s oeuvre. This collaborative experience instilled in him not only technical proficiency but also an unwavering dedication to portraying Benin’s soul with honesty and sensitivity.A Distinctive Photographic Style: Ritual & Remembrance
Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou's artistic signature lies in his masterful depiction of Yoruba rituals—specifically, funerals known as *Egúngun*. These ceremonies honor ancestral spirits believed to guide the deceased into the afterlife, and Agbodjelou’s photographs capture the dramatic costumes and symbolic gestures involved. He employs a deliberate aesthetic strategy: placing subjects against mud brick walls – a visual motif that harkens back to Benin's history—to convey a sense of timelessness and continuity amidst rapid societal change. This stylistic choice underscores his belief in preserving cultural heritage while acknowledging its evolving context.Notable Achievements & Exhibitions
Agbodjelou’s influence extends beyond artistic practice; he established Benin’s first photography school, serving as president of the Photographer's Association of Porto-Novo and championing photographic education within his region. His work has garnered international acclaim, appearing in prestigious exhibitions such as the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013, National Portrait Gallery London, Saatchi Collection London, Seattle Art Museum, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Brooklyn Museum New York, Vitra Museum Basel, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Furthermore, his images are held in prominent collections worldwide—Zurich Museum of Art, Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford, Carnegie Museum of Art Pittsburgh, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa Cape Town and Museum of Modern Art Equatorial Guinea—solidifying his position as one of Benin’s most significant artistic voices.Contemporary Relevance & Artistic Legacy
Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou's photographs continue to inspire dialogue about cultural identity and the role of art in preserving tradition while confronting modernity. His exploration of Yoruba spirituality, combined with his meticulous attention to detail and evocative use of color—particularly the incorporation of traditional fabrics—represents a powerful contribution to contemporary African photography. He embodies a commitment to artistic integrity and social responsibility, ensuring that Benin’s visual heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.
leonce raphael agbodjélou
1965 - , Benin
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Contemporary Photography
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['African Art']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Joseph Agbodjelou']
- Date Of Birth: 1965
- Full Name: Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou
- Nationality: Beninese
- Notable Artworks:
- Citizens of Porto-Novo
- Musclemen
- Egungun Project
- Place Of Birth: Porto-Novo, Benin
