Ambassador

Ambassador's Speeches

Ambassador Hooks Speech on 7th Vernissage

Honored Guests
Dear artists
Dear colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen

AKWABA.  Welcome to the seventh Vernissage of the Ambassador’s Art in the Atrium program.  This program began in December 2005, to allow Americans to forge closer connections to Ivorian culture, and to allow talented Ivorian artists to engage in cultural exchange with the embassy.  Now, a year and a half later, this seventh edition allows us to ‘rediscover’ this very special form of exchange through exquisite paintings and moving sculpture.

This exhibit is entitled « Retrouvailles ».  The theme of this exhibit is particularly timely.  Since the Ouagadougou Accords, Cote d’Ivoire has begun to rediscover its identity as a nation.  The best recent example came with the Elephants’ triumphant victory over the Malagasy team in Bouaké – a game that allowed citizens from the north and citizens from the south to rediscover their common love of country as they came together to cheer on their national team.

The exposition’s three artists – M. Kouamé and M. Sidibé, the painters; and M. Sossa, the sculptor – have wonderfully expressed this notion of ‘rediscovery’.  Integrating polished techniques as well as hints of African and European artistic styles, these works universally express the artists’ desire to revalorize the best from the past.  Addressing universal themes, the works allow each of us to reconnect with constants in the human spirit.  It also represents Cote d’Ivoire’s own rediscovery – different artistic styles at last converge and harmonize.  Personally, I have been able to rediscover Roustand’s work.  I first saw one of his paintings at Minister Mel Eg’s home, soon after my arrival.  I was deeply impressed by the quality of his painting.  Now, nearing the end of my stay in Cote d’Ivoire, I am able to appreciate again works that touched me when I first arrived.

This exhibit is also a very special one for me, as it will be the last vernissage during my time here in Cote d’Ivoire.  I see it as a special opportunity for me to ‘rediscover’ as well.  First, of course, it gives me a chance to rediscover Ivorian art and Ivorian artists.  During my time here, I have seen many exhibits, but in this exposition I am seeing the artistry with fresh eyes.  Secondly, the exhibit gives me ample opportunity to reflect on my experience here, to reexamine and rediscover it with the benefit of perspective. 

I would like to thank our exposition partners for all of their work in putting this exhibit together.  I would also like to express my wish that the American Embassy remain a cultural center and a bastion of friendly exchange between Ivorians and Americans – where our peoples can discover and rediscover the best in each other.

Thank you.