L'accouchement - An exhibit by Sabine Medowokpo
Join us at the Alliance on July 23 at 6 pm for the opening of L’accouchement, an exhibit featuring paintings by Sabine Medowokpo. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged! Please consider making a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Merci !
Naissance
Deux âmes, un chemin
Childbirth / L’accouchement
Avoir des dons, c’est comme être enceinte: ils portent la vie en eux et demandent à être mis au monde.
On ne peut pas garder indéfiniment ce qui est appelé à naître; lorsque le temps est accompli, l’accouchement devient nécessaire.
De même, les dons doivent être développés et offerts au service de l’humanité. Comme une femme qui accouche malgré la douleur, il faut parfois traverser des épreuves pour donner naissance à ce qui est précieux et porteur de sens.
Quelles que soient les péripéties de la vie, développer ses dons est essentiel: ils apportent la joie, soutiennent les autres et donnent un sens profond à l’existence.
Ne perds jamais l’espoir. Aie le courage d’aller jusqu’au bout, car ce qui naît de toi peut devenir une bénédiction pour beaucoup.
Having gifts is like being pregnant: they carry life within them and are meant to be brought forth.
One cannot keep what is destined to be born forever; when the time is fulfilled, giving birth becomes necessary.
In the same way, gifts must be developed and offered in service to humanity. Like a woman who gives birth despite the pain, one must sometimes pass through hardship to bring into the world what is precious and meaningful.
Whatever the challenges of life may be, developing your gifts is essential. They bring joy, uplift others, and give deep meaning to existence.
Never lose hope. Have the courage to go all the way, for what is born from you can become blessing to many.
About the artist
Akossiwa Mawulawoe Medowokpo, known by her artist name Sabine Medowokpo, was born on August 29, 1976, In Lorne, Togo. Her artistic journey began with a passion for comics during her primary school years. In 1993, she transitioned to painting, becoming a self-taught artist whose creativity and talent have earned her International recognition. Sabine held her first exhibition In 2002 at the French Cultural Center In Lome. Over the years, she has showcased her work at numerous exhibitions and festivals across Africa and Europe, including collaborations with Institutions like the Goethe Institute, the French Embassy in Lome, and venues In Germany, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire. She is known for working with mixed media, including acrylic, oil, and pastels, and for exploring themes of everyday life through portraits and abstract art.
Her passion for teaching and inspiring others led her to share her expertise as an art instructor. Sabine taught painting classes at Ecole d'Architecture de Lome, the Institute Francais and the University of Lome, nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering creativity within her community.
Inspired by divine guidance, Sabine's passion for painting began during childhood when she was captivated by artistic advertisements near the Ghana-Togo border. Her dream of becoming a great artist was realized through determination and faith, and she now takes great joy In creating portraits and engaging In her craft. In 2016 Sabine received the International Prize In the Eco-Painting category at the International Environmental Rim Festival (FIFE), a France-Togo partnership. Her eco-therned work, which champions environmental awareness, has been displayed in various cities In Togo and abroad. As a result, she was named Ambassador of the Environment and became a festival jury member for eco-painting. Sabine also dedicates her time to teaching and community engagement, often hosting workshops for children aged 7 to 12 to encourage creativity and develop artistic skills.
In recent years, Sabine has expander her artistic repertoire to include music. Her debut single Nyonou Zanze ("Young Girl") was unveiled at the "Festival of Morns" in Lome, captivating audiences with her Soul voice and distinctive Blues-inspired style.
Recognized worldwide, Sabine continues to participate In prestigious art festivals, including the Little Africa Festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota and group exhibitions such as the Alliance Francaise In Minneapolis (Group exhibition in February; Francophonie Month 2024, DISCOVER TOGO). She also served as an advocate for the Saint Paul Port Authority, contributing to the selection of local artists in 2023. Through her work as an artist, educator and performer, Sabine Medowokpo bridges cultures, inspires communities and redefines the boundaries of artistic expression. Currently working on Rondo Exchange artist painter project.